Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972
Bangladesh, December 1971-December 1972: Document List
Document 373: Telegram 5592 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, December 11, 1971, 1125Z
December 11, 1971, 1125Z
Consul General Spivack recommended that the U.S. contact representatives of Bangladesh to "prevent them from assuming that we are inalterably opposed to idea of independent Bangla Desh or that we would take inordinately long to recognize a BDG substantially established in East Bengal.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Secret; Immediate. Repeated to Islamabad, New Delhi, Calcutta, and London.
Document 374: Telegram 12575 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, December 15, 1971, 1034Z
December 15, 1971
The Embassy recommended that the U.S. continue and expand contacts with representatives of Bangladesh and time recognition of the new government to follow actions by other major western powers.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL BANGLA DESH-US. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated priority to Dacca and New Delhi. Repeated to Calcutta, Karachi, Lahore, London, Moscow, Kabul, and USUN.
Document 375: Intelligence Note RNAN-34 Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, December 17, 1971
December 17, 1971
Intelligence assessment of the leadership and orientation of the prospective Government of Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 15 BANGLA DESH. Confidential. Drafted in the Office of Research and Analysis for Near East and South Asia by David C. McGaffey and cleared by Office Director Curtis F. Jones
Document 376: Paper Prepared in the Department of State, undated
undated
This paper analyzed the U.S. relationship with Bangladesh and argued, in part, for "relatively early recognition.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL BANGLA DESH-US. Secret. The paper is undated but it was sent on December 22, 1971, by Executive Secretary Eliot to Kissinger under a covering memorandum that indicated it had been prepared in response to a December 16 instruction from the WSAG to prepare a paper on the subject of the U.S. relationship with Bangladesh. The covering memorandum indicates the paper was drafted by Constable and cleared by Laingen, Schneider, VAN HOLLEN, Sisco, and Irwin. Presumably the same information applies to the attached study. For a record of the December 16 WSAG meeting, see Foreign Relations, 1969-1976, vol. XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971, Document 318. A January 17 memorandum from Davis to the Departments of State and Defense, the JCS, and the CIA indicates that the paper was circulated again for consideration of the Senior Review Group at its meeting on January 19. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 642, Country Files, Middle East, South Asia, Vol. IV (1972)) For the minutes of the January 19 SRG meeting, see Foreign Relations, 1969-1976, vol. XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971, Document 210. The reference in the paper to the Hallstein doctrine is to the policy of West Germany to break diplomatic relations with any country that established relations with the German Democratic Republic.
Document 377: Telegram 5866 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, December 30, 1971, 1115Z
December 30, 1971
In light of what he and his staff viewed as the "inevitable recognition of Bangladesh,” Consul General Spivack urged that he be authorized to enter into informal contacts with Bangladesh officials for discussion of matters relating to the functioning of the Consulate General. He also urged U.S. officials elsewhere to convey to Bangladesh representatives that the United States was not committed to the concept of a united Pakistan and was flexible on the matter of recognition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL BANGLA DESH-US. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, London, Manila, Moscow, and USUN.
Document 378: Telegram 10 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, January 3, 1972, 0651Z
January 3, 1972
In part one of his report on his January 1 meeting with Foreign Minister SAMAD, Consul General Spivack reported that SAMAD had solicited U.S. assistance in securing the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from imprisonment in Pakistan. SAMAD assured Spivack that the Consulate General would be allowed to function for the time being and would receive "honorable treatment" while the U.S. considered the question of recognition.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan-31 Aug 72. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, and New Delhi.
Document 379: Telegram 11 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, January 3, 1972, 0650Z
January 3, 1972
Consul General Spivack reported that part two of his January 1 conversation with Foreign Minister SAMAD involved a discussion of the question of recognition. SAMAD asked about the factors being considered by the U.S. in weighing recognition of Bangladesh, and Spivack indicated that he was not authorized to discuss the question in other than broad, hypothetical terms.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan-31 Aug 72. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, and New Delhi.
Document 380: Telegram 12 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, January 3, 1972, 0713Z
January 3, 1972
Consul General Spivack noted that at the conclusion of their conversation on January 1 Foreign Minister SAMAD raised the question of whether the U.S. intended to continue funding partially-completed projects begun by USAID. They then discussed how best to describe their meeting to the press. In his concluding comment, Spivack observed that press and television coverage of the meeting was extensive.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan-31 Aug 72. Confidential; Immediate, Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, and New Delhi.
Document 381: Telegram 79 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, January 4, 1972, 1255Z
January 4, 1972
Foreign Secretary SULTAN KHAN told Deputy Chief of Mission Sober that his Government continued to view "premature" recognition of Bangladesh as a hostile act. Pakistani President Bhutto felt that there was still the possibility that a political link could be maintained between what his Government continued to refer to as the two wings of Pakistan.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Confidential. Repeated to Dacca, Karachi, Lahore, London, Moscow, and New Delhi.
Document 382: Telegram 1047 From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dacca, January 4, 1972, 2232Z
Dacca, January 4, 1972
Secretary of State Rogers instructed Consul General Spivack to avoid further contact with Bangladesh representatives.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan-31 Aug 72. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Sisco, cleared by Eliot, and approved by Rogers. Repeated to Calcutta, Islamabad, and New Delhi.
Document 383: Telegram 239 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, January 6, 1972, 1509Z
January 6, 1972
The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh appealed to the United States for recognition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Limited Official Use. Repeated to Bombay, Calcutta, Dacca, Islamabad, and Madras. The attachments cited in the telegram were not found.
Document 384: Editorial Note
On January 10, President Nixon discussed the upshot of the crisis in South Asia with his Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs, Alexander Haig. With regard to the question of the recognition of Bangladesh, Nixon asked when Pakistan and China were likely to recognize the new government. "Don't we have to wait,” he said, "until they do.” He noted that "everybody else is jumping on the bandwagon,” making specific reference to Britain and France. Nixon agreed with Haig that the United States should move cautiously on the issue.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Recording of conversation between Nixon and Haig, January 10, 1972, 5:31-5:48 p.m., Old Executive Office Building, Conversation No. 313-30. No classification marking.
Document 385: Telegram 125 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, January 12, 1972, 0745Z
January 12, 1972
Consul General Spivack reported that he had just been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony for President Mujibur Rahman to take place that day. He cabled urgently for instructions.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 15-1 BANGLA DESH. Limited Official Use; Flash. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi. The Department returned a Flash response within 2 hours instructing Spivack that no U.S representative should attend the ceremony. The cable was drafted by VAN HOLLEN and cleared by Irwin and Kissinger. (Telegram 5773 to Dacca, January 12; ibid.) On January 13 Spivack cabled the Department that the United States was the only government with de facto representation in Dacca not represented at the swearing-in ceremony. (Telegram 136 from Dacca; ibid.)
Document 386: Letter From the Minister of the British Embassy (Tebbit) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, January 13, 1972
Washington, January 13, 1972
The British Embassy forwarded a message from Prime Minister HEATH to President Nixon. In the message, HEATH discussed a meeting he had just had in London with Prime Minister Mujibur Rahman. MUJIBUR told HEATH that there could be no question of a formal link between Bangladesh and West Pakistan. Under the circumstances, HEATH felt it was important for Western powers to move fairly quickly toward recognition, and he asked Nixon to try to persuade Pakistani President Bhutto of the inevitability of recognizing Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H-062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72. Secret. On January 14 the Foreign Office told the Embassy in London that British recognition of Bangladesh would come within 2 weeks. (Telegram 412 from London, January 14; ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH)
Document 387: Letter From the Australian Ambassador (Plimsoll) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, January 13, 1972
Washington, January 13, 1972
Plimsoll forwarded a message from Australian Prime Minister McMahon to President Nixon. McMahon pointed up his concern about Soviet influence in South Asia and argued the importance of repairing relations with India and providing economic assistance to the new nation of Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H-062, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 1/19/72. Top Secret
Document 388: Telegram 158 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, January 14, 1972, 0620Z
January 14, 1972
The Consulate General made the case for early recognition of Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi.
Document 389: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, January 26, 1972
Washington, January 26, 1972
The Department of State and AID responded to an instruction from the Senior Review Group to prepare recommendations for humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh and India.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H-061, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 2/1/72. Confidential. Signed in S/S for Eliot by Robert T. Curran. This memorandum was considered by the SRG at its meeting on February 1. The minutes of the January 19 and February 1 SRG meetings are Documents 210 and 220. Issues relating to South Asia were discussed in both meetings, but the latter was devoted largely to a discussion of humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh.
Document 390: Letter From President Nixon to British Prime Minister Heath, Washington, February 2, 1972
Washington, February 2, 1972
Nixon wrote to HEATH to explain that the United States intended to defer a decision on recognition of Bangladesh "until we have a clearer picture of how it will relate to the broader situation in South Asia.”
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 210, Geopolitical File, South Asia, Chronological File, Jan-June 1972. No classification marking. The text of the letter was transmitted to London on February 3 in telegram 19242 for delivery to HEATH. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH) The United Kingdom was among eight countries that recognized Bangladesh on February 4. (Telegram 429 from Dacca, February 5; ibid.)
Document 391: Telegram 1113 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 3, 1972, 1725Z
February 3, 1972
Pakistani President Bhutto suggested that the U.S. extend recognition to Bangladesh as early as February 20.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Secret; Immediate; Nodis.
Document 392: Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and his Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 4, 1972, 10:34 p.m.
Washington, February 4, 1972, 10:34 p.m.
Nixon and Kissinger discussed recognition of Bangladesh and decided to delay it until after Nixon had the opportunity to discuss the issue with Chinese Premier CHOU EN-LAI.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 371, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.
Document 393: Letter From the Ambassador of Pakistan (Raza) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, February 7, 1972
Washington, February 7, 1972
Raza conveyed to Rogers a message from Pakistani President Bhutto to President Nixon in which Bhutto asked Nixon to intervene with the Indian Government and "the elected leaders in East Pakistan" on behalf of "hundreds of thousands of non-Bengalis including women and children whose very existence in East Pakistan is threatened as a result of planned retaliation and reprisals by armed personnel.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL BANGLA DESH. Immediate; no further classification marking. Forwarded under a covering memorandum by Eliot to Kissinger on February 8. (Ibid.) On February 10 the Department instructed Sober to acknowledge receipt of the message and to inform Bhutto that the United States shared his concern and was watching the situation closely. Sober responded on February 11 that he had done so. (Telegrams 23379 to Islamabad and 1364 from Islamabad, respectively; ibid., SOC 14 BANGLA DESH)
Document 394: Telegram 1374 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 11, 1972, 1200Z
February 11, 1972
Pakistani President Bhutto told Chargé Sober that he would prefer that U.S. recognition of Bangladesh be deferred until March, possibly to follow after Nixon's trip to China.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 627, Country Files, Middle East, Pakistan, Vol. IX, Jan-31 Aug 72. Secret; Priority; Nodis.
Document 395: Telegram 26863 From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations, February 15, 1972, 2356Z
February 15, 1972
The Department provided policy guidance for the Mission for a meeting called by the Secretary-General on relief for Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, SOC 10 BANGLA DESH. Limited Official Use; Immediate. Drafted by Francis H. Thomas (NEA/PAF); cleared in NEA by Laingen, and Schneider, M. Kathleen Bell (IO/UNP), Frank Wiesner (S/R); and approved by VAN HOLLEN. Repeated to Islamabad, Dacca, and New Delhi. The policy guidance conditioned USUN's response to Waldheim's appeal. (Telegram 617 from USUN, February 18; ibid.)
Document 396: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, February 16, 1972
Washington, February 16, 1972
Kissinger recommended that the United States recognize Bangladesh "about the third week in March,” and Nixon approved the recommendation.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Secret; Nodis. Sent for action. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendation.
Document 397: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, February 16, 1972
Washington, February 16, 1972
Nixon approved recommendations authorizing humanitarian assistance for Bangladesh.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Geopolitical File, Box CL 210, South Asia, Chronological File, Jan-June 1972. Confidential. Sent for action. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Nixon initialed his approval of all of the recommendations. On February 17 Kissinger sent a memorandum to Rogers that conveyed the decisions approved by the President. (Ibid.) The SRG discussion Kissinger referred to took place on February 1. For a record of the discussion, see Document 220.
Document 398: Memorandum For the Record by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Miller), Washington, February 22, 1972
Washington, February 22, 1972
General Haig called the Department with the instruction that nothing be done concerning recognition of Bangladesh until President Nixon returned from China. Contacts with Bangladesh officials were to be kept to a minimum.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Top Secret; Nodis.
Document 399: Telegram 1675 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, February 22, 1972, 1110Z
February 22, 1972
Pakistani President Bhutto suggested that the United States delay recognition of Bangladesh until March 17 at the earliest.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Secret; Priority; Nodis.
Document 400: Telegram TOHAK 111 from the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 23, 1972, 2313Z
Washington, February 23, 1972, 2313Z
Haig forwarded to Kissinger Consul General Spivack's request (telegram 642 from Dacca, February 23) for "permission to engage in a broad-ranging exchange of views" with Mujibur Rahman. Haig stated that he had taken steps to ensure that such an exchange did not take place. He reported to Kissinger on developments relating to U.S. humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Secret; Exdis. Sent to Howe for Kissinger. Also numbered WH 20460. Telegram 642 from Dacca is also ibid., Central Files 1970-73, POL 7 BANGLA DESH.
Document 401: Telegram HAKTO 11 From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig), Peking, February 24, 1972, 0305Z
Peking, February 24, 1972, 0305Z
Kissinger stated that agreement had been reached with the Chinese on "our general game plan" and it was essential to do nothing concerning recognition of Bangladesh until the Indian troops were withdrawn from Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 497, President's Trip Files, Exchange of Notes Between Dobrynin and Kissinger, Vol. 2. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Also numbered WHP 77.
Document 402: Telegram 32170 From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dacca, February 25, 1972, 0234Z
Dacca, February 25, 1972, 0234Z
Consul General Spivack was instructed to take no action with regard to recognition of Bangladesh. He was also instructed to inform Bangladesh officials at a level below Mujibur Rahman of U.S. plans to participate in humanitarian relief, but he was not authorized to meet with Mujib before his trip to Moscow. The Embassy in Pakistan was instructed to inform the government of U.S plans concerning humanitarian relief, and that the question of recognition would be reviewed after President Nixon returned from China.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLA DESH. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also sent to Islamabad and to Rogers in Peking as Tosec 102. Repeated to New Delhi and to the White House communication center. Drafted by Laingen, VAN HOLLEN, and Sisco; cleared by Schneider, Williams, and in substance with Haig; and approved by Acting Secretary Johnson.
Document 403: Telegram 689 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, February 26, 1972, 1040Z
February 26, 1972, 1040Z
Consul General Spivack relayed a request from Bangladesh Foreign Minister Samad for a statement of U.S. intentions with regard to Bangladesh. His Government wanted to know what to expect in regard to recognition and whether the interests of Bangladesh would be subordinated to those of Pakistan by the United States. He asked for a response before his impending trip to the Soviet Union and he intimated that the status of the Consulate General depended upon the reply.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BANGLADESH–US. Secret; Immediate; Niact; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi.
Document 404: Telegram 33181 From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dacca, February 27, 1972, 0354Z
Dacca, February 27, 1972, 0354Z
Consul General Spivack was again instructed to go no further on the question of recognition than to indicate that the issue would be addressed after President Nixon returned from China. Spivack was further instructed to assure Bangladesh Foreign Minister SAMAD that the United States was well disposed toward Bangladesh and would continue to respond to requests for humanitarian assistance.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also sent to Peking for Rogers as Tosec 122. Drafted by VAN HOLLEN, cleared by Constable, Sisco, Saunders, and Haig, and approved by Acting Secretary Johnson. Repeated to the White House, Islamabad, and New Delhi.
Document 405: Telegram 722 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, February 28, 1972, 1610Z
February 28, 1972, 1610Z
Consul General Spivack reported that he met with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Samad and, as instructed, informed him that the question of recognition would have to await President Nixon's decision after his return from China. Samad remained concerned about the status of the Consulate General and whether its mission was to further U.S. relations with Pakistan or Bangladesh. He also expressed concern about the treatment of representatives of Bangladesh in the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BANGLADESH–US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi.
Document 406: Telegram 770 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, March 3, 1972, 0615Z
March 3, 1972, 0615Z
Consul General Spivack cabled that he felt that "we are approaching the limits of tolerance of GOBD in matter of continued operation of this post without US recognition of BD.” He suggested that a decision on recognition be conveyed to the Bangladesh Government by March 9th in order "to do what we intend to do without appearing to be forced into it by GOBD action.”
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Saunders sent a copy of this telegram to Haig on March 3 with a covering memorandum in which he suggested that Haig approve an instruction to Spivack to return to Washington for consultation. "The main rationale for bringing him back here would be to gain the time necessary to allow us to recognize only toward the end of March. It seems unlikely that the Bengalis would throw us out if it appeared that we were on the verge of taking a final decision.” Haig returned the memorandum to Saunders with a handwritten note instructing that Spivack be recalled on March 17.
Document 407: Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and President Nixon, Washington, March 3, 1972, 12 p.m.
Washington, March 3, 1972, 12 p.m.
Nixon and Kissinger discussed the timing of recognition of Bangladesh. Nixon said "I am just going to drag my feet on it.” He and Kissinger considered delaying a decision until April.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 397, Telephone Conversations, Home File, Jan–Apr 1972. No classification marking.
Document 408: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, March 6, 1972
Washington, March 6, 1972
Rogers recommended the United States recognize Bangladesh on or about March 25.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–064, SRG Meeting, South Asia, 4/17/72. Secret; Nodis. Saunders sent this memorandum to Kissinger on March 16 under a covering memorandum in which he endorsed Rogers' recommendation. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh) The attached draft messages to China and Pakistan are published in approved final form as Documents 414 and 415.
Document 409: Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the NSC Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, March 7, 1972
Washington, March 7, 1972
Saunders recommended that AID be authorized to extend an additional $10–20 million in relief assistance to Bangladesh. President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs Haig approved for Kissinger.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Confidential. Sent for action. Haig signed the approval line for Kissinger. In a March 10 handwritten note, attached to the memorandum and addressed to Jeanne Davis, Saunders wrote that he had informed Williams and VAN HOLLEN of Haig's approval of the recommendation.
Document 410: Memorandum From the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon, Washington, undated
Washington, undated
Haig recommended that Nixon approve an additional $35 million contribution in cash through the United Nations for the relief effort in Bangladesh. Nixon approved the recommendation.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Confidential. Sent for action. The memorandum was apparently drafted by Saunders who forwarded it to Haig on March 20 under a covering memorandum. (Ibid.) Haig signed the approval line for the President. For a record of the Senior Review Group's discussion of South Asia on March 17, see Document 237.
Document 411: Telegram 1019 From the Consulate General in Dacca to the Department of State, March 23, 1972, 0930Z
March 23, 1972, 0930Z
The Consulate General reported on the increasing irritation with the United States exhibited by the Government, the media, and the public in Bangladesh. The Consulate General's concern was that the Government's patience was wearing thin and it might take action against the US mission.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BANGLADESH–US. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Prime Ministers Gandhi and Mujibur Rahman met in Calcutta February 6–8. On February 8 they issued a joint declaration summarizing the meetings and stressing the solidarity that existed between the two countries. (The text of the declaration was transmitted to the Department on February 9 in telegram 283 from Calcutta; ibid., POL BANGLADESH–INDIA) Gandhi and Mujibur Rahman subsequently met in Dacca March 18–19, where they signed a mutual defense treaty patterned on the Indo-Soviet treaty of August 1971. (Telegram 3714 from New Delhi, March 24; ibid.)
Document 412: Memorandum From the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon, Washington, March 24, 1972
Washington, March 24, 1972
Haig detailed approximately $100 million in humanitarian assistance committed to Bangladesh by the United States through the United Nations and other international agencies.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. No classification marking. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
Document 413: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, March 28, 1972
Washington, March 28, 1972
Kissinger informed Rogers that the President had decided that United States recognition of Bangladesh should be announced at the Department of State anytime after April 3.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Secret; Nodis.
Document 414: Telegram 55123 From the Department of State to the Embassy in France, March 31, 1972, 0023Z
France, March 31, 1972, 0023Z
The Embassy was instructed to inform the Chinese Ambassador that that the United States intended to recognize Bangladesh on April 4.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL CHICOM–US. Secret; Priority, Nodis; Homer. Drafted by Laingen and VAN HOLLEN; cleared by Davies and Sisco, in EA by Deputy Assistant Secretary Winthrop G. Brown, and by Kissinger; and approved by Rogers.
Document 415: Telegram 56144 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan, April 1, 1972, 0048Z
Pakistan, April 1, 1972, 0048Z
Chargé Sober was instructed to inform Pakistani President Bhutto that the United States intended to recognize Bangladesh on April 4.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Laingen; cleared by Davies, Sisco, Brown, and Kissinger; and approved by Rogers. Repeated Priority to Dacca and New Delhi
Document 416: Telegram 722 From the Consulate General in Karachi to the Department of State, April 3, 1972, 1100Z
April 3, 1972, 1100Z
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.
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.
Document 417: Telegram 56444 From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dacca, April 3, 1972, 1736Z
Dacca, April 3, 1972, 1736Z
The Consulate General was instructed to inform the Government of Bangladesh of U.S. plans for recognition on April 4. The Consulate General was also instructed to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Consul General Spivack would be returning on April 7 and would like to meet with Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on April 8 to deliver President Nixon's letter concerning recognition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Confidential; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Constable, cleared by Laingen, and approved by Davies. Repeated to Islamabad and New Delhi.
Document 418: Letter From President Nixon to Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman, Washington, April 4, 1972
Washington, April 4, 1972
Nixon wrote to accord U.S. recognition to Bangladesh.
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)
Document 419: Telegram 60873 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bangladesh, April 8, 1972, 2131Z
Bangladesh, April 8, 1972, 2131Z
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.
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.
Document 420: Telegram 1227 From the Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, April 10, 1972, 1126Z
April 10, 1972, 1126Z
Consul General Spivack reported that he delivered President Nixon's letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman who "looked forward to the most friendly future relationships between our two countries at both official and popular levels.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use; Priority. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, and New Delhi. The telegram was sent as originating from the Consulate General in Dacca. The Consulate General, which had been accredited to Pakistan and which existed on sufferance in Dacca after the establishment of Bangladesh, became an Embassy following U.S. recognition.
Document 421: Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, April 21, 1972
Washington, April 21, 1972
Saunders took note of President Nixon's intention to shift toward bilateral assistance to Bangladesh and recommended that Kissinger seek the President's approval to indicate to the Bangladesh Government that such a change was contemplated.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Confidential. Sent for action. The attached draft memorandum from Kissinger to Nixon, which called for Nixon to respond to a recommendation that the AID officials in Bangladesh be authorized to indicate the U.S. intention to initiate a bilateral aid program, was not sent and is not published. Kissinger responded to Saunders' memorandum in a handwritten note on the memorandum: "He intends to go into bilateral aid but to cut down on multilateral aid.” For a record of the SRG meeting on April 17, during which the question of economic assistance to Bangladesh was discussed, see Document 249.
Document 422: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, May 15, 1972
Washington, May 15, 1972
In response to the President's expressed desire to convert as much multilateral economic assistance to Bangladesh as possible into bilateral assistance, Eliot forwarded the Department's recommendations as to how the remaining $130 million of a $200 million Congressional appropriation for South Asian relief could be channeled to Bangladesh in the form of bilateral assistance.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. The attachment cited in the memorandum is not published. On May 22 NSC Staff Secretary Davis sent a memorandum to Eliot which reads: "In response to your May 15 memorandum, bilateral assistance of $75 to $100 million in the current U.S. fiscal year has been approved. Your recommendations on the mix of other relief assistance for Bangladesh is (sic.) also approved.” (Ibid.) On May 30 the Department of State announced that the United States and Bangladesh had signed a bilateral agreement providing for $90 million in U.S. assistance to Bangladesh as a grant for rehabilitation. (Telegram 94906 to Dacca, May 30; ibid., AID (US) 4 BANGLADESH)
Document 423: Memorandum For the President's File, Washington, May 16, 1972
Washington, May 16, 1972
Ambassador-Designate Karim made his initial call on President Nixon who pledged that the United States would do everything it could to help Bangladesh survive and to provide hope for the future.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 17 BANGLADESH–US. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Hoskinson.
Document 424: Intelligence Note RNAN–17 Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, June 8, 1972
Washington, June 8, 1972
The INR assessment of political developments in Bangladesh concluded that: "The euphoria of victory in Bangladesh has faded, and the BDG must now contend with criticism in its exceedingly difficult task of reconstruction.” As a result, the analyst concluded, "it is likely that the BDG will tilt toward the left.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BANGLADESH. Confidential. Drafted in INR/DDR/RNA by David C. McGaffey and approved by Office Director Curtis F. Jones.
Document 425: Telegram Conto 237 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, July 6, 1972, 0852Z
July 6, 1972, 0852Z
Former Treasury Secretary Connally reported on his July 3 conversation with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Samad.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Confidential; Exdis. Also numbered telegram 5842. Repeated to Bangkok, Bombay, Budapest for the Secretary's party, Dacca, Calcutta, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Madras, Rangoon, Singapore, and USUN. Sent to the White House for Davis, to the Treasury for Dixon, and to the Department of State for A/OPR, S/S, and NEA. John Connally resigned as Secretary of the Treasury on May 16. Thereafter he visited a number of countries around the world at President Nixon's request to review matters of mutual interest with host governments. Included on his itinerary were stops in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Document 426: Telegram Conto 262 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, July 8, 1972, 0700Z
July 8, 1972, 0700Z
Former Treasury Secretary CONNALLY reported on his July 3 conversation with Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 US/CONNALLY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also numbered telegram 4084. Sent with instructions to pass to New Delhi, Dacca, Islamabad, the White House for Davis, the Treasury for Dixon, and the Department for S/S, A/OPR, and NEA.
Document 427: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, July 15, 1972
Washington, July 15, 1972
Kissinger sent to Nixon a summary of the relief assistance provided to Bangladesh January 1–June 30.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Limited Official Use. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Haig sent the memorandum to Kissinger under a covering memorandum on July 15, in which he noted that "according to Saunders' bookkeeping" the United States had maintained the 33% contribution level stipulated by Nixon. In a handwritten note on the covering memorandum Kissinger expressed his doubts: "I am sure bookkeeping is crooked. Last year above total was 67%.” Despite his reservations, Kissinger initialed the memorandum and sent it to the President.
Document 428: Memorandum From the Country Director for Pakistan and Afghanistan (Laingen) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco), Washington, August 3, 1972
Washington, August 3, 1972
Laingen summarized the international response to the appeal by the UN Secretary-General for foodgrains for Bangladesh.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, NEA/PAB Files: Lot 77 D 16, AID 1, Aid to Bangladesh 1972. Limited Official Use. Drafted in NEA/PAB by W. Scott Butcher. The attachment cited in the memorandum is not published.
Document 429: Telegram 4591 From the Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, November 1, 1972, 1101Z
November 1, 1972, 1101Z
To offset an anticipated shortage, Prime Minister Mujibur Rahman requested that the United States supply foodgrains to Bangladesh as quickly as possible.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 10 BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use; Priority. Repeated to Canberra, Islamabad, New Delhi for Williams, Ottawa, Tokyo, and USUN. Sent as a joint Embassy/USCOR message.
Document 430: Telegram 4747 From the Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, November 13, 1972, 1142Z
November 13, 1972, 1142Z
Chargé Newberry informed Prime Minister Rahman that the United States could provide 100,000 tons of wheat for arrival in January, and added that an additional 100,000 tons could predictably be provided during the remainder of the U.S. fiscal year. Newberry told Rahman that in all probability no additional amounts would be provided.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 10 BANGLADESH. Unclassified; Priority. Repeated to Bangkok, Islamabad, Karachi, New Delhi, Ottawa, Tokyo, and USUN.
Document 431: Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, November 22, 1972
Washington, November 22, 1972
Saunders posed the options open to the United States in the pending debate in the UN General Assembly on the question of membership for Bangladesh. Kissinger decided to continue to support the position taken on the question by Pakistan and China.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 591, Country Files, Middle East, Bangladesh. Confidential. Sent for action. In a November 23 note attached to the memorandum, Richard Kennedy informed Saunders that Kissinger had decided that the United States should hold to its former position on the issue.
Document 432: Telegram 5451 Fromthe Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, December 19, 1972, 1200Z
December 19, 1972, 1200Z
The Embassy proposed that it be authorized to stipulate that the first aid agreement to be signed with the Bangladesh Government in fiscal year 1973 be used as the "occasion to have Awami League cabinet make symbolic gesture to indicate it does not intend to disavow responsibility for BDG's acceptance of US aid.”
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) BANGLADESH. Confidential; Exdis.
Document 433: National Intelligence Estimate 32.1–72, Washington, December 21, 1972
Washington, December 21, 1972
The estimate assessed political, economic, and diplomatic developments in Bangladesh.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R01012A. Secret. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, the Treasury, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this estimate. The Director of the CIA submitted this estimate with the concurrence of all members of the United States Intelligence Board with the exception of the representative of the FBI, who abstained on the grounds that it was outside his jurisdiction. A cover sheet and table of contents are not published.
Document 434: Telegram 231058 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bangladesh, December 22, 1972, 2104Z
Bangladesh, December 22, 1972, 2104Z
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.
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.
Document 435: Telegram 5547 From the Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, December 27, 1972, 1034Z
December 27, 1972, 1034Z
Chargé Newberry met with Foreign Minister Samad to express "serious concern" over a spate of attacks on USIS centers in Bangladesh and to ask for assurances that U.S. facilities in the country would be protected.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use; Immediate. Repeated to Islamabad, Calcutta, New Delhi, and USIA. On December 11 the Embassy reported that a group of young men had defaced the USIS center in Dacca with anti-American slogans and Communist Party insignia. On December 22 a group of over 100 students, protesting the U.S. bombing of North Vietnam, attacked the USIS center in Dacca and did serious damage. On December 26 the Embassy reported that a group of leftist youths had virtually destroyed the USIS center in Chittagong, and the following day reported that the same thing had happened in Rajshahi. On December 26 the Department instructed the Embassy to convey "serious concern of USG over spate of destructive attacks against U.S. facilities" and U.S. "distress over the inadequate police protection afforded.” (Telegrams 5310, 5512, 5533, and 5544, December 11, 23, 26, and 27 respectively, all from Dacca; telegram 232100 to Dacca, December 26; all ibid.)
Document 436: Telegram 232926 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bangladesh, December 28, 1972, 0001Z
Bangladesh, December 28, 1972, 0001Z
Country Director Laingen called in the Bangladesh Chargé to emphasize concern over the safety of U.S. personnel and facilities in Bangladesh and over the related issue of public statements critical of the U.S. by prominent Government and Awami League officials.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use; Priority. Drafted by Butcher, cleared with USIA, and approved by Laingen. Repeated to New Delhi, Islamabad, and Calcutta.
Document 437: Telegram 5584 From the Embassy in Bangladesh to the Department of State, December 31, 1972, 1255Z
December 31, 1972, 1255Z
Chargé Newberry called on Foreign Minister Samad to protest the failure of the Bangladesh Government to protect the USIS center in Mymensingh. Newberry suggested that a personal message of regret from Prime Minister Rahman to Secretary of State Rogers might help convince Washington that the problem was receiving the attention of the head of government.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 BANGLADESH. Limited Official Use; Niact; Immediate. Also sent Niact Immediate to USIA, and routine to Islamabad, New Delhi, and Calcutta. In telegram 5583 from Dacca, December 31, the Embassy reported the "bombing, sacking, and burning" of the USIS center in Mymensingh. (Ibid.)