ASSISTANCE FOR PAKISTAN

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27211, 1 December 1953, Page 9

ASSISTANCE FOR PAKISTAN

“VARIETY ALMOST CONFUSING ” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, November 29. Offers of foreign assistance to Pakistan have been so numerous that a co-ordination committee has been set up to deal with them, says the Karachi correspondent of “The Times.” At the first meeting held in Karachi there were present 10 representatives of international and foreign agencies and countries, including Britain and the Dominions participating in the Colombo Plan. “The Commonwealth ccntribution is considerable, direct assistance from Canada. Australia and New Zealand this year about equalling the United States gift of 12,250,000 dollars. “There can be no doubt of the success of the Colombo Plan in Pakistan. Participating countries are enthusiastic and optimistic, and the gratitude of the Pakistan Government is apparent. “The variety of Commonwealth cooperation is almost confusing. Canada is spending 3,000,000 dollars on an aerial photographic survey of the geological and agricultural possibilities of Baluchistan and neighbouring areas, nearly 18,000,000 dollars on a hydroelectric project in the North-west Frontier province, and 6,000,000 dollars on a cement plant. “Australia has given wheat, equipment for hydro-electric and irrigation schemes, broadcasting and telecommunications units and pipe manufacturing plant. “New Zealand has made substantial contributions to irrigation schemes and factories in Baluchistan and the Sind, and has agreed with other Dominions to help the improvement of livestock. “Britain is helping to equip nine technical high schools, one textile training centre, a Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and three regional telecommunication centres.”