Nixon’s special envoy visits Dhaka
July 3, 1972
CONNALLY CALLS ON BANGABANDHU
John B Connally, American President Richard Nixon's special envoy, flies into Dhaka today and has "fruitful" discussions with Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As he comes out from his meeting with the prime minister, Connally describes the discussion as "fine, frank and fruitful". Connally, considered to be the most trusted lieutenant of President Nixon, also holds discussions with Finance Minister Tajuddin Ahmad and Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad. The US aid to Bangladesh and ways for a possible rapprochement between Bangladesh and Pakistan were discussed by Connally with Bangladeshi leaders. He, however, rules out US interventions for a Bangladesh-Pakistan rapprochement. His views on Pakistani POWs is, "No country in South Asia will take any action which would make it more difficult to arrive at a solution to the problems that beset Bangladesh, Pakistan and India."
OCCUPIED AREAS WILL BE VACATED
Indian and Pakistani forces will be withdrawn to their respective sides of the border, except in Jammu and Kashmir, provides the new agreement between the two countries signed on July 2, 1972. It also states that the line of control resulting from the ceasefire of December 17, 1971 shall be respected by both sides and not sought to be altered by the use of force or threat of force, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. India and Pakistan also decide to progressively restore communications, including posts, telegrams and travel facilities between the two countries. They agree to settle all bilateral problems through peaceful bilateral negotiations or by any other peaceful means mutually agreed upon between them.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President ZA Bhutto may have another summit meeting in September.
BANGLADESH BECOMES IBRD MEMBER
Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad announces today that Bangladesh has been accepted as a member of the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) after receiving overwhelming support from member countries.
SOURCES: July 4, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.
Comments