CABLE TO DICK KENNEDY FROM BRENT SCOWCROFT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: September 28, 2012
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: August 21, 1973
• Content Type: CABLE

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Ai., A 4 ,A
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EYES ONLY
August 21, 1973
TO:
FROM:
DICK KENNEDY
BRENT SCOWCROFT
Please get the attached
State Dept. review completed
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EYES ONLY
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
MORI/CDF
C03362020
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
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- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
c
Please pass the following message to Prime Minister Bhutto from
Dr. Kissinger.
As you know, we have been using our influence with India in
order to bring a humane and just solution to the recent war. While
we are not familiar with all the details of the current negotiations, we
have been reliably told that the following scheme might be acceptable:
-- India is prepared to release all Pakistani prisoners presently
being detained except for the 195 which Bangladesh wishes
held for war crimes trials.
-- Bangladesh would release 260,000 non-Bengalis for
resettlement in Pakistan, in exchange for 250, 000 Bengalis
from Pakistan, including the 203 Bengalis presently being
held by Pakistan for treasonable activities.
If Pakistan were to accept this offer, India would continue to
hold the 195 in detention in India pending agreement between
Pakistan and Bangladesh on recognition and on their disposition.
Thus obviously they could not be turned over to Bangladesh without
Pakistanis concurrence.
It is our strong impression that India would not turn over the 195
prisoners to Bangladesh. Indeed, they anticipate that this two-stage
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8
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process would-lead to an early release of the 195 to Pakistan in the
context of a negotiation on recognition.
I have made it very clear that if Pakistan were to accept this
offer and the 195 prisoners were subsequently put on trial anyway,
it would have the Most serious effect on relations between the United
States and India.
I wanted you to have this information while the current nego-
tiations are still going on. I would appreciate it if you could hold it
^
in strictest confidence. If you would let us know your reaction, I
will know how to conduct myself should new inquiries be made. We
have taken no position at all on this proposal except that we would
submit it to you.
Your reply should be made through the same channels as this
message, or through your ambassador, since the existence of this
proposal is not known in any official channels.
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/09/28: LOC-HAK-474-10-15-8