Office of the Historian

418. Letter From President Nixon to Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman1 2

Washington, April 4, 1972

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I wish to inform you that the United States Government has recognized the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and that we would like to establish diplomatic relations at the embassy level with your government.

Historically, there have been warm ties between our two peoples. The United States has maintained an official mission in Dacca since 1949 and over the years many Americans, both in private and official capacities, have derived great satisfaction from the opportunity to work side by side with the Bengalee people in a variety of enterprises aimed at combatting disease, illiteracy, poverty, hunger and the impact of natural disaster. Enduring relationships have resulted from this collaboration.

I am sure that the friendship and goodwill between our two peoples will be further strengthened in the coming years, and I trust that our traditional cooperative association with your development efforts will continue. We fully share your aspirations for the progress and the welfare of the Bengalee people and the hope that the nations of the Sub-continent can normalize their relations and work together to forge a lasting peace.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 748, Presidential Correspondence File, Bangladesh. No classification marking. The text of the letter was transmitted to Dacca on April 5 in telegram 58480. (Ibid.) Secretary Rogers announced the recognition of Bangladesh at a press briefing on April 4. (Circular telegram 57428 to eight posts in South Asia, Moscow and London, April 4; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH) Mujibur Rahman sent a letter to Nixon on April 9 in which he warmly acknowledged the recognition accorded his country. (Telegram 1301 from Dacca, April 13; ibid.) Consul General Spivack was designated Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim of the new Embassy. (Memorandum from Davis to Eliot, April 6; ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh)↩
  2. Nixon wrote to accord U.S. recognition to Bangladesh.↩