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

400. Telegram TOHAK 111 from the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹ ²

Washington, February 23, 1972, 2313Z

Subject:

• Mujib’S Visit to USSR

Attached is Dacca 0642 in which SPIVACK requests authority to enter into “broad-ranging exchange of views” with Mujib prior to Mujib’S February 29 visit to Moscow. I discussed this with Under Secretary Irwin to ensure that it does not repeat not take place. In this regard the following scenario will occur with respect to this and related issue:

1. We are moving urgently this week on PL 480 for Pakistan and will inform Bhutto as soon as necessary action is completed but not later than the end of this week.

2. We are informing the United Nations tonight or early tomorrow morning of our decision to proceed with humanitarian aid for Bangladesh under formula you approved, with caution that UN should hold proposed U.S. action closely. (Irwin believes this can be done with good assurances of success.)

3. On Monday the Department of Agriculture will make a very low-key announcement to the effect that we are proceeding with humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh within the aproved formula.

4. State will reply to Dacca 0642 (attached) by denying Spivack authority to meet with Mujib on any subject. In lieu of this they will instruct him to inform Bangladesh Foreign Office on Monday of U.S. decision with respect to humanitarian assistance.

5. Warm regards.

End page one

1. According to our best information BD PriMin Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is planning to depart Dacca for Moscow on Feb 29 for official visit, duration not yet disclosed.

2. Several of our recent messages have called attention to intensive and apparently well-financed Soviet effort in BD to establish strong position vis-à-vis both govt and general public. Delegation after delegation has arrived in Dacca from USSR, and intensive publicity campaign utilizing all available media appears designed to present USSR as staunch friend, supporters and aid-giver to BD.

3. It is therefore logical to assume that Mujib will be given full red carpet treatment in USSR in an effort to impress him with Soviet accomplishments, Soviet goodwill, and Soviet capabilities. Mujib for all of his charisma in Bengali terms and his udoubted personal shrewdness has had little experience in international affairs at high level. His travels abroad have been limited and probably insufficient to provide basis of comparison which would enable him to place what he sees in USSR in proper perspective or to resist flattering impact of high-level Soviet blandishments.

4. There is obviously little we can do at this late date to provide Mujib with bench marks against which he can measure what he will see in USSR. Moreover it now appears that his visit will take place before US recognition and before any American official has had opportunity to talk seriously with him about world affairs and about American policies and intentions. Even though we may assume that British, Australian, and other Western European visitors and contacts have discussed world wide problems and conditions with him, there would still appear to be a need at this particular juncture for some signal to Mujib of US views and interests.

5. I strongly urge therefore that I be authorized seek interview with Mujib in most private conditions possible for frank and broad-ranging exchange of views with him. If Dept judges such approach worthwhile I would also appreciate outline of points I can make and guidance as to what I can tell him about US views of developments and prospects in Asia and US intentions re BD.

Spivack

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Secret; Exdis. Sent to Howe for Kissinger. Also numbered WH 20460. Telegram 642 from Dacca is also ibid., Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 BANGLA DESH.
2. Haig forwarded to Kissinger Consul General Spivack’s request (telegram 642 from Dacca, February 23) for “permission to engage in a broad-ranging exchange of views” with Mujibur Rahman. Haig stated that he had taken steps to ensure that such an exchange did not take place. He reported to Kissinger on developments relating to U.S. humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh.