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

383. Telegram 239 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State¹ ²

New Delhi, January 6, 1972, 1509Z

Subj:

• Bangladesh Recognition Appeal

1. Following appeal for recognition on letterhead qte government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh unqte datelined President’s house, Bangabhaban, Dacca, December 30, addressed to President Nixon and signed Syed Nazrul Islam, Acting President, was left with FSL Embassy receptionist January 6. Format suggests letter may be round robin. UK high commission here has received near identical version dated January 4. Qte excelllency, I have the honour to draw your attention to the proclamation of the sovereign independent People’s Republic of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. This declaration representes the unanimous verdict of 75 million people of Bangladesh.

2. Qte the foundation of the nation of Pakistan in 1947 was due in major part to the sacrifice in blood, lives and property of our people. Thereafter, as is well known, the people of Bangladesh were subjected to a long period of ruthless colonial domination, systematic economic exploitation, and gross political and cultural discrimination by successive regimes dominated by the ruling circles of West Pakistan. Over the last several years our people had waged a peaceful and non-violent struggle for the attainment of our basic rights. Even the frustration of effort after effort by successive regimes of Pakistan did not make us resort to violence. We continued our non-violent struggle.

3. Qte the people of Bangladesh recorded their overwhelming confidence in the leadership and policies of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the elections in 1970. The military rulers postponed the convening of National Assembly repeatedly, and while pretending to negotiate, augmented their military strength. On the black night of March 25, 1971, they let loose their army in a pre-meditated assault on the innocent and defenceless men, women and children of our country. they made a special target of the intellectuals, the elite of the youth and the leaders of the workers, peasants and students. This left us with no alternative but to declare independence, and resort to arms.

4. Qte the policy of repression continued with increasing brutality in the vain hope of liquidating the leadership and reducing the majority of the Bengali speaking people in Pakistan to a minority. Members of the minority communtiites became special victims of the reign of terror. As a result of this policy of genocide, rape, arson and loot, nearly ten million of our men, women and children were driven out and took shelter in India.

5. Qte we made the formal proclamation of our independence on April 10, 1971. Our struggle for liberation gained increased momentum and strength. Nearly 60,000 members of the former East Bengal regiment, East Pakistan rifles and other paramilitary formations identified themselves with the struggle of the people of Bangladesh, and took up arms in defence of our motherland. They were joined by hundreds of thousands of young men whom they trained to defend the sovereignty and independence of their homeland, with a view to release her finally from the bonds of colonial oppression by West Pakistan.

6. Qte we are glad to inform you, excellency, that this struggle has culminated in success. The liberation army of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Mukti Bahini have been joined by the armed forces of India, at our request, following the unprovoked attack on India by the Pakistani forces of occupation. Our development has not only been welcomed by the broad masses of our people, but the spontaneous and overwhelming support of the entirety of our people has been amply and publicy demonstrated.

7. Qte the proclamation of independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and subsequent announcements by my government are attached for the information of your excellency’s government. It is reiterated that the basis principles of Oru state policy shall by democracy, socialism, secularism and the establishment of an egalitarian society, where there would be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex or creed. In our foreign relations, we are determined to follow a policy of non-alignment, peaceful co-existence adn opposition to colonialism, racialism, and imperialism in all its forms and manifestation.

8. Qte conscious of our responsibility for the large number of citizens of Bangladesh temporarily in India, we would like to assure you of our governments firm intention of organising their expeditious return to their homes.

9. Qte my government hereby places on record its ability and willingness to fulfill all international treaties and obligations to which it may have succeeded.

10. Qte as the nation of Bangladesh emerges to take its place side by side with the other countries in Asia, Africa, North America and all the non-aligned world, it reaffirms its pledge to follow the principles outlined at Bandung and Lusaka. The valiant struggle for liberation and the heoric efforts of our people to throw off the imperialist yoke twice in one generation is a tangible proof of our adherence to these principles, we will continue to give principled support to all nations in their struggle against colonialism, racialism or imperialism in an all their manifestations. It is accordingly our hope that, in support of these same principles, Your Excellency’s government will now see its way to welcoming us into the family of nations. Speedy recognition by your government would be an acknowledgement of our aspirations. It is also our considered assessment that the granting of this recognition is a most necessary and important step to stabilise the situation in South and Southeast Asia.

11. Qte please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem. Unqte.

Keating

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Limited Official Use. Repeated to Bombay, Calcutta, Dacca, Islamabad, and Madras. The attachments cited in the telegram were not found.
2. The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh appealed to the United States for recognition.