P.M. critical of Soviet move

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32783, 7 December 1971, Page 1

P.M. critical of Soviet move

fN«w Zealand Press Asaociotiont WELLINGTON, December 6. Developments between India and Pakistan imposed new tragedy on an already tragicsituation, the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) said tonight.

In a statement that strongly criticised “certain of the Groat Powers” for their response, Sir Keith Holyoake said that the New Zealand Government deeply regretted the outbreak of fighting and the statements by both sides that a state of war existed.

"It would be futile to suggest that what has happened

is totally unexpected,” he Said.

"The possibility of largescale warfare has been inherent in the grim sequence of events that has unfolded in recent months, in the growing dimensions of the refugee problem, in the extent of guerrilla warfare in East Pakistan and in the mounting tension between India and Pakistan.”

The state of hostilities in the sub-continent was without question a threat to international peace and security and should appropriately

be dealt with by the United Nations Security Council, said Sir Keith Holyoake. “It is deeply disappointing that first efforts within the council to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of armed forces and the placement of observers along the IndiaPakistan borders has failed in the face of a veto by the Soviet Union,” he said.

"Another resolution, which is directed to slightly more limited objectives, remains for consideration by the council. I trust that the full weight of international opinion represented in the council

will be brought to bear in support of this initiative.

Great Powers "I trust that the Great Powers, however belatedly, will see the need to exercise the influence which lies at their command and which in existing circumstances seems atone capable of bringing a halt to the fighting.” The outbreak of hostilities in no way disposed, of the humanitarian problem presented by the refugees, Sir Keith Holyoake said. “On the contrary it greatly compounds it," he said. "New Zealand will continue its efforts to promote relief for the refugees and to enlist the interest of the international community at large in the need for measures to alleviate their condition.

Joint resolution "I myself have addressed a number of communications to both President Yahya Khan and Mrs Gandhi, emphasising the need for restraint and for political activity that would help reduce tensions,” said Sir Keith Holyoake. In the General Assembly of the United Nations, in the absence of any disposition by Security Council members to take up the question in its proper political context, New Zealand had joined with the Netherlands and Sweden in co-sponsoring a resolution designed primarily to emphasise the human dimensions of the refugee. problem and the need for sustained international effort to deal with it.

At the same time New Zealand had sought to have the Assembly exert influence to bring about political action on the part of India and Pakistan that would contribute to a reduction of tensions.

- “Regrettably the Assembly showed a marked disinclination toassert' its political influence, and on this aspect of the situation the resolution ultimately adopted had originally proposed,” said Sir Keith Holyoake. New Zealand would be prepared to play a part as it did for many yean in an observer team along a ceasefire line between India and Pakistan, said the Prime Minister.