HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 cc626-8
Q5. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Prime Minister if he will consult with Commonwealth Prime Ministers to find a Commonwealth solution to the Bengal situation and its effect on relations between India and Pakistan.

Mr. Maudling

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend continues to be in close touch with the President of Pakistan and has also discussed the situation with Mrs. Gandhi as well as with other Commonwealth leaders. Should it appear that a Commonwealth initiative could help towards a solution, we would, of course, give it our full support.

Mr. Stonehouse

I am grateful for that reply, but will the Home Secretary ask his right hon. Friend to bear in mind that the United Nations has, through inactivity, completely failed to do anything about the rape of East Bengal and that some initiative must be taken to get Yahya Khan to call off the repression carried on by the army in East Bengal, to release Sheikh Mujib and to allow the people of East Bengal to decide their own future? That will be the way to avert international war.

Mr. Maudling

I appreciate the great concern which the right hon. Gentleman shows on these matters and the work which he has put in on them. At the moment it does not appear that there is any prospect of such a Commonwealth initiative being succesful—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why"?]—because of the attitudes of the parties concerned. If ever there were a prospect of such an initiative proving fruitful, we should be happy to support it.

Sir F. Bennett

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that partisan statements disguised as questions do nothing but exacerbate an already dangerous situation, and that we should all concentrate on defusing the situation and not increasing the tension?

Mr. Maudling

I agree very much with my hon. Friend. As the House is well aware, this is an extremely difficult and potentially dangerous situation. Anything that the British Government can do, obviously we shall do, with, I am sure, the support of the entire House.

Mr. Prentice

May I press the right hon. Gentleman further on the point raised by my right hon. Friend that the Government should urge the Pakistan Government to release Sheikh Mujib? The Awami League, which won an overwhelming victory in East Bengal, and Sheikh Mujib are the only people with whom a realistic settlement can be made.

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir. The Government have already expressed concern to the Pakistan Government about the eventual fate of Sheikh Mujib.

Mr. Farr

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Prime Minister to consider arranging for Mr. Arnold Smith, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, to set up a conference in Ceylon between the parties concerned, at which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister might consider taking the chair?

Mr. Maudling

The Secretary-General is, of course, deeply concerned about the situation, as everyone else is, and has had consultations with India, Pakistan and other Commonwealth countries. If he can come forward with helpful suggestions we shall be very glad indeed.