Speech #920165505

I do not argue that the provision of aid and money and arms is of greater importance to India than its national interests and concern. but I feel that I should recount the story to indicate that our interest in India has been great and constant. I believe our Government attempted. after the slaughter and repression in East Pakistan. in March. to do what it could to rectify that awful situation. I must say I never thought there was any possibility of a settlement without political autonomy for East Pakistan which would assure the refugees who had fled into India that they could return to East Pakistan in safety. Nevertheless. in all justiceand I have had access from time to time to the official records and reportsI know that our Government attempted to secure a settlement. and thus to help India as well as Pakistan. But that is past. and I hope very much now that the world community and our Government will use their efforts to assist in the closing down of the last vestiges of the war. and in the humanitarian and economic efforts and tasks that lie ahead.