November 23, 1972      

LONDON OFFERED AS NEUTRAL ZONE FOR PEACE TALKS

British Foreign Secretary Sir Alex Douglas Hume has offered London as "neutral ground" for a peace meeting between Bangladesh and Pakistan. He tells Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad at a meeting today that Britain wants to see relations between the two countries normalised as soon as possible. He explains Britain doesn't want to become involved as mediator in any summit but is prepared to offer a venue. Abdus Samad Azad arrived in London on November 21, 1972 for talks on East-West relations, particularly China's policy towards Bangladesh and the affairs of the sub-continent. Britain's attitude towards the sub-continent is that Bangladesh, Pakistan and India should be left to settle their problems without outside intervention. Sir Alec also says that Britain is prepared to support Bangladesh's bid to join the United Nations.

BHUTTO FOR TALKS WITH MUJIB BEFORE RECOGNITION

The Pakistan President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto has reiterated his stand that there must be a meeting between him and Bangabandhu before the question of recognition of Bangladesh can be taken up. Talking to newsmen Bhutto claims that Bangladesh needs such a meeting more than Pakistan does. According to Bhutto the Pakistan National Assembly would take the final decision on the question of recognition.

STANIS CALLS ON MUJIB

The vice-chancellor of Patris Lumumba People's Friendship University in Moscow, Professor Vladimir Stanis, calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Gono Bhaban today. He discusses with Bangabandhu the question of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Stanis presents a special medal of his university as a token of deep respect of the Soviet People for him. He also presents him a magnificent wall carpet inscribed with a beautiful portrait of Lenin.

SOURCES: November 24, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.