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

419. Telegram 60873 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bangladesh¹ ²

Washington, April 8, 1972, 2131Z

Subject:

• Dialogue With Bangladesh

1. When you begin your round of calls on Sheikh Mujib, Foreign Minister and other senior officials of BDG, you will be entering into dialogue which will have strong bearing on future relationships with BDG. Your talks will give you the opportunity to tell them of USG views on South Asia and our concept of US-BDG relations.

2. Message from President to Mujib which you took with you provides keynote for your conversation with Mujib. As further background we would define our political objectives with Bangladesh as establishment of cordial bilateral working relationship and reinforcement of stated Bangladesh desire to be neutral and non-aligned. Initial emphasis of our approach will be on U.S. support for relief and rehabilitation efforts of people of Bangladesh. Prospects for long time development remain to be assessed. We would not anticipate in immediate future any sort of relationship with BD in military sphere. Following are talking points which you can draw on in your dialogue with Mujib and senior BD officials:

A. Our overall objectives in South Asia are reflected in President’s press conference statement February 10 that “we are going to do everything we can to develop a new relationship with the countries on the subcontinent that will be pro-Indian, pro-Bengalese, pro-Pakistan but mostly pro-peace.” We seek a stable and peaceful subcontinent, in which the independent nations of the area can chart their own futures free from domination by any outside powers.

B. With act of recognition we look forward to friendly relations between our governments that will reflect warm sentiments long shared between Americans and people of East Bengal. In our relations with Bangladesh and with other countries of South Asia we seek no special advantage or position of influence in political, economic or military sense.

C. At same time we will pursue policy of encouraging restraint among outside powers in the subcontinent, with no great power seeking dominant influence. We believe this policy is in the interests of all countries of South Asia. In this context we fully respect Bangladesh’s desire to play neutral and non-aligned role in international affairs for our part we will take no action that would abridge BD neutrality and non-alignment.

D. For future we will look toward development of cooperation in continued effort to help meet Bangladesh economic problems, through cultural exchanges, and through full and frank political discussions on subjects of mutual interest.

E. In economic sphere, we have already demonstrated our willingness to cooperate closely within the framework of coordinated international humanitarian assistance in immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts in Bangladesh. We take pride in what we have been able to do even before recognition in humanitarian relief field, both by USG and various U.S. VOLAGs with long tradition of help for people of Bangladesh. USG contributions to current UN appeal now total more than $115 million. We are prepared to make additional contributions as we, in close consultation with BDG and appropriate international organizations, examine additional needs.

F. For longer term reconstruction effort, we look forward to report of UN/IBRD team which recently assessed problems in Bangladesh and are prepared to play a role. We also look forward at appropriate time to continuing exchange on bilateral basis as to role USG might be able to play in support Bangladesh development effort.

FYI: This could include review of future handling U.S.-financed aid projects initiated before independence of Bangladesh, but you should not get into this review at this time. End FYI.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BANGLADESH–US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Constable; cleared by Laingen, Schneider, Van Hollen, Sisco, and Kissinger; and approved by Under Secretary Johnson. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi.
2. The Department outlined for Consul General Spivack the overall U.S. policy objectives in South Asia and the specific objectives of U.S. policy in dealing with Bangladesh.