India and Pakistan: Pre-Crisis, January 1969–February 1971

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121. Telegram 540 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State

Ambassador Farland reported on his meeting with Awami leader Mujibur Rahman in Dacca. Mujib expressed his personal friendship for the U.S. as well as that of the “people of Bangla Desh.” Farland found that Mujib favored a form of confederation rather than the separation of East Pakistan, but he insisted that “his people” be accorded their rights and not be kept in a “colonial status.”

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL PAKUS. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.