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

434. Telegram 231058 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bangladesh¹ ²

Washington, December 22, 1972, 2104Z

Subj:

• Anti-U.S. Statements and Initial FY 1973 Grant to Bangladesh

REF:

• A. Dacca 5451
• B. State 229691
• C. Dacca 5466
• D. Dacca 5469

1. Dept. concurs with Embassy’s well-reasoned proposal for phased effort to seek closer identification by prominent BDG cabinet-level officials with U.S. aid activities in Bangladesh, beginning with signing of additional grant of $30 million. You should therefore seek earliest opportunity to raise matter with FonSec Karim, just prior to USCOR’s informing planning commission of USG readiness to proceed.

2. You should inform Karim that USG prepared to proceed with this grant despite fact that FY-1973 appropriation for humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh not yet passed (authority to make new commitments based on continuing resolution). We recognize urgent need for early procurement of inputs intended to have direct effect on agricultural productivity in 1973.

3. At same time you should say that we remain troubled over unjustified attacks on USG policies and motives by BDG officials (most recently by FinMin Tajuddin Ahmed in Purbodesh interview—Dacca 5450) and by prominent non-government Awami leaguers (such as Tofail Ahmed and Korban Ali). Foreign Secretary presumably aware from own service in U.S. that public atmosphere is important element of our bilateral relations, and irresponsible remarks if continued could have effect of eroding public and congressional favorable disposition to Bangladesh. You might note Rep Poage’s stated feelings on this subject.

4. In light of considerations stated above you should outline idea of participation in signing ceremony or other near-simultaneous event attended by prominent minister, i.e., Foreign Minister or other senior Minister, as suggested reftel A, para. 5. You should indicate that ceremony of this type would signal BDG recognition of benefits to Bangladesh rehabilitation effort and hopefully counter what appears to be growing public sentiment that USG fair game in election politics. You may suggest to Karim that we would welcome alternate suggestions as well as any additional ideas for follow-up actions to accomplish goal of keeping bilateral relations on healthy road we have begun to travel together. You may make it clear that we are ready to execute grant amendment as soon as BDG decides on acceptable manner of handling it.

5. Once you have made this approach to Foreign Ministry, USCOR may inform planning commission of USG intention to proceed with additional grant, adding that Embassy is discussing with Foreign Ministry our suggestions re signing procedure.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) BANGLADESH. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Butcher and Lawrence B. Lesser, cleared by Laingen and AID and in substance by USIA, and approved by Meyer.
2. The Department endorsed the Embassy’s suggestion that the next aid agreement with Bangladesh be conditioned on the public acknowledgement of the agreement by the participation of a senior member of the Bangladesh Government, such as the Foreign Minister, in the ceremony staged to sign the agreement.