Support for U Thant on Pakistan

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 3

Support for U Thant on Pakistan

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 4. The Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) today commended the Secretary-General of the United Nations (U Thant) for the initiative he has taken over East Pakistan.

U Thant has drawn the attention of members of the Security Council to the situation in East Pakistan and its implications for international peace and security.

“New Zealand itself took the initiative in raising the question of East Pakistan at the recent. meeting of the United Nations Economic and

Social Council in Geneva,” Sir Keith Holyoake said today.

“We felt that the human aspects of the problem were falling within the purview of Ecosoc and that the council would be failing in its duty if it did not consider the question.

“The resulting debate, ■in which more than half the members of the council took part, highlighted the refugee problem and gave further impetus to the work already being done by the United Nations and its agencies in this field.

“But the refugees are only part of the problem. We have never felt it sufficient for the Economic and Social Council to be the only United Nations body seized of an issue that is essentially political,” said the Prime Minister. “We think that the Security Council has at least as much responsibility in a matter like this, and we have wondered why none of its members has raised the question.

The Secretary - General’s initiative, which was a proper exercise of his powers under the charter, was both welcome and timely, said Sir Keith Holyoake. NX APPEAL “The essential problem of reaching a political settlement in East Pakistan is one that only Pakistan’s own leaders can solve. I have already appealed to President Yahya Khan to look to the elected representatives of the people of East Pakistan for help in working out such a settlement.” If a settlement was to be reached, a climate of confidence must be established and this required the cooperation of the Government of India, the Prime Minister said.

“The Governments of India and Pakistan have so far acted with caution and restraint towards each other. Statements are, however, being made by political figures on both sides thgt cannot but undermine the positions of the two Governments and add to the tensions between them.”

“There seems to be little that other Governments can do individually to meet the situation. “I earnestly hope that the members of the Security Council will respond to the Secretary-General’s initiative and that under his leadership the United Nations will live up to its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security,” said Sir Keith Holyoake.