Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

402. Telegram 32170 From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dacca¹ ²

Washington, February 25, 1972, 0234Z

REF:

• (a) Islamabad 1113
• (b) Islamabad 2101
• (c) Dacca 438
• (d) Islamabad 1675

SUBJECT:

• Recognition of Bangladesh

Please pass to Secretary of State Rogers

1. We continue have under active study Bhutto’s suggestion that we move toward normalization of our relations with Bangladesh regime. Charge should tell Bhutto that matter will be reviewed at appropriate time after President returns from Peking and that Bhutto’s latest views on timing (reftel d) will be weighed carefully.

2. For ConGen Spivack: For time being you should take no action with Mujib or others in GOBD on Bangladesh recognition. We assume Mujib is aware President’s comments on this subject in February 10 press conference, in which President said that we have under study our whole relationship with the Subcontinent but that with regard to recognition a decision should not be expected prior to the time his return from China. In same press conference, however, and again in his foreign policy report to Congress President pointed out that our support for UN relief effort in East Bengal would continue and that “as the US strengthens new relationships in Asia, we have no intention of ignoring these 70 million people.” If queried, you should stick with above.

3. For immediate future, you should continue keep your contacts with GOBD to minimum. However you are authorized to convey to GOBD, at level below Mujib you believe best, first steps we are taking (in spirit President’s comments above) in response to UNSYG’s appeal for humanitarian relief. These include (details septels) release 175,000 tons wheat and rice, $300,000 cash grant for UN administrative costs, and grants of $3 million and $650,000 to Catholic Relief Services and CARE respectively in support their housing demonstration and construction programs Bangladesh. In addition, as indicated State 80216, we have provided $50,000 to IRC in support operating expenses Cholera Research Lab and we have under active study what additional support might be desirable to insure continued operation this important humanitarian activity.

4. We have not yet made public announcement these actions but expect to do so (in very low key way) shortly. You should convey above information to GOBD no sooner rpt no sooner than February 28 but as early as possible on that date. FYI: Operating guidelines for our role in UN relief effort is that we will keep our contributions in low key and that actions to date and such later contributions as we decide make will be kept within policy framework of roughly one-third contribution to total international effort. (This fraction is not repeat not for disclosure or communication to other governments.) END FYI.

5. We have considered your suggestion (Dacca 642) that you be authorized seek private interview with Mujib for broad exchange of views prior his departure for Moscow but have concluded timing inappropriate. However, timing and nature your lower-level briefing of GOBD on our relief contributions cited above should be significant in helping meet general objectives you cite
in your message. You should ask that information be relayed to Mujib.

6. For Charge: You should inform Bhutto or appropriate GOP official of foregoing decisions on relief, noting that Bhutto has consistently recognized need for US support of UN relief program and that this consistent also with his own action releasing rice surplus for Bangladesh.

END

Irwin

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also sent to Islamabad and to Rogers in Peking as Tosec 102. Repeated to New Delhi and to the White House communication center. Drafted by Laingen, Van Hollen, and Sisco; cleared by Schneider, Williams, and in substance with Haig; and approved by Acting Secretary Johnson.
2. Consul General Spivack was instructed to take no action with regard to recognition of Bangladesh. He was also instructed to inform Bangladesh officials at a level below Mujibur Rahman of U.S. plans to participate in humanitarian relief, but he was not authorized to meet with Mujib before his trip to Moscow. The Embassy in Pakistan was instructed to inform the government of U.S plans concerning humanitarian relief, and that the question of recognition would be reviewed after President Nixon returned from China.