Speech #920125440

At the heart of our frayed relations with India is the human tragedy taking place in East Pakistanand the policy of continued support for Pakistan that our Government has insisted upon. This continued support for Pakistan comes at a time when the two great nations of the subcontinent have come dangerously close to armed conflict. The plight of the East Pakistan refugees has also become an enormous burden. economically and politically. for India. To alleviate this burden. the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had recommended $250 million for assistance to the refugees as part of the foreign aid bill. That $250 million was not an adequate contribution to relief for the refugees or for needed emergency assistance to the Indian economy. But it represented a welcome beginning. With the vote last Friday. however. our effort to aid the refugees was set back. I have said that the Senate defeat of the foreign aid bill has given us an opportunity for fundamental reform of our entire foreign assistance program. But there are a number of items in that defeated bill that should be revived immediately. if only on an interim basis. until Congress and the President can agree on a permanent foreign aid structure. Some of these essential items have to do with India and Pakistanand the millions of East Pakistan refugees. Mr. President. for 200 years. the Senate Chamber has witnessed pleas for the use of Americas treasure and power to stop war and destruction and senseless slaughter. and to ease pain and hunger and sickness.