Speech #920089562

I am also pleased by the committees action in making the population programs administered by AID a separate line item appropriation totaling $100 million in fiscal 1972 and $125 million in fiscal 1973. The committee has clearly recognized the importance of dealing with the population crisis on an international basis. I particularly want to express my full support for the committees action in suspending all aid to.Pakistan until the situation in the East has returned to relative stability and the 7 million refugees who have fled to India are permitted to return to their homes and reclaim their property. The war initiated in March by the West against the East is perhaps the most monumental tragedy of modern times. It is estimated that up to 1 million East Pakistanis have already lost their lives. and millions of others have been forced to flee the country and are now crowded into refugee camps in India. The refugee problem has already cost the Indian Government some $400 million. and is costing them $3 million daily. And refugees continue to pour across the border at the rate of 50.000 daily. The committee has wisely authorized an additional $100 million in this bill for the relief of East Pakistani refugees. Pakistans war against the East grew out of a fear that the Awami Leagues strong showing in the recent elections would lead to the Easts secession. It is true that the Awami Leagues platform did call for a looser federation with greater autonomy for the East.