Mr. President. the Subcommittee on Refugees and Escapees has been having some very searching hearings on the problems in East Pakistan. These hearings have all too clearly pointed up the awesome suffering of the millions of East Pakistanis who have fled to India as well as of those who have remained in East Pakistan. Human suffering is not a novel condition in this area. one of the most densely populated rural areas in the world. The November 1970 cyclone disaster followed by the floods and the civil disturbances have exacerbated that. at best. precarious existence of these peoples. While to date our Government has contributed over $83 million to the international relief effort in India alone$35.5 million in cash and $47.7 million in Public Law 480 foodthere is still much to be done to alleviate the condition of the East Pakistani refugees in India. To help alleviate the starvation and suffering in East Pakistan. the United States. to date. as part of its contribution to the $143 million in dollars and food being distributed by the U.N. has provided over a million tons of food and $9 million toward U.N. operating costs. cost of other relief supplies and for chartering vessels to distribute these supplies. We have also made available $13.5 million equivalent in rupees for U.N. relief assistance and for work programs to generate selfhelp and employment in East Pakistan.
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Refugees refugees