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

416. Telegram 722 From the Consulate General in Karachi to the Department of State¹ ²

Karachi, April 3, 1972, 1100Z

Subject:

• US Recognition of Bangladesh

Ref:

• State 56144

1. I informed President Bhutto of USG decision to announce BD recognition April 4 during meeting at his home in Karachi morning April 3. I came to Karachi to deliver message inasmuch as Bhutto was not due back in Rawalipindi before April 6.

2. After hearing me out on all the points contained reftel, Bhutto said he appreciated our having taken his concerns into account and informing him in advance of announcement. He was glad we had waited “reasonable time” and reaffirmed that our decision as completely acceptable insofar as it relates to his dealing with problems facing him.

3. I asked whether he knew Peking’s present thinking on BD recognition. He replied he knew of no change since matter was discussed when he visited Peking a little over two months ago. At that time, Chinese had told him that PRC was not in any hurry to move on recognition. They would want to coordinate with GOP, but even when Bhutto recognized Bangladesh they might not want to follow suit in any particular time period. Bhutto said he assumed that Chinese remained “relaxed” on recognition issue. He also assumed that they were meanwhile maintaining contacts with people friendly to them in Bangladesh.

4. Bhutto said he had one request to make of us. This was that, after recognition, USG should provide main portion of its economic aid to Bangladesh bilaterally to GBD rather than through UN. He thought bilateral aid would tend to maximize impact of US help to BD, and thus be most useful in broadest terms in light of various influences working on Bangladesh. I remarked that I appreciated intent of Bhutto’s suggestion, but had to point out that we were operating under decision already made to provide major portion of our help to BD through UN or other multilateral channels. We had already announced substantial assistance via UN. I noted that provision of increasing share of USG economic aid through multilateral channels reflected decision which President Nixon had made with reference to US aid globally well over a year ago. I reiterated appreciation for Bhutto’s suggestion and said I would report it promptly although I wanted Bhutto to know about broader policy trend in administration of US aid.

5. Local press April 3 carried ticker times datelined Washington attributing to USG officials that decision had been made to recognize Bangladesh early this week; item in same vein was carried by VOA morning April 3.

Luppi

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Confidential; Priority; Nodis. Sent with the suggestion that it be passed to Islamabad and other posts as desired.
2. Chargé Sober reported that he had informed Pakistani President Bhutto about U.S. plans to recognize Bangladesh. Bhutto expressed appreciation that the United States had waited a “reasonable time” before according recognition, and he asked that after recognition the United States provide the majority of its economic assistance to Bangladesh bilaterally.