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

413. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers¹ ²

Washington, March 28, 1972

SUBJECT:

• Recognition of Bangladesh

In response to your memorandum of March 6, 1972, the President has decided that U.S. recognition of Bangladesh should be announced at the Department of State anytime after April 3.

He has asked that cables be sent (1) immediately to Islamabad instructing our Charge to inform President Bhutto, and (2) to Paris instructing Ambassador to inform the PRC Ambassador. Every effort should be made to keep this move confidential until the announcement is made.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Secret; Nodis.
2. Kissinger informed Rogers that the President had decided that United States recognition of Bangladesh should be announced at the Department of State anytime after April 3.