Bangla Desh and Our Policy Options

It is necessary to have a detached and realistic assessment of the military situation in Bangla Desh. During the last one week, our press reports were over-optimistic and these reports need careful reassessment now.

It will not be possible for elements of East Bengal Regiment, East Pakistan Rifles, East Pakistani Police and others armed with small arms, in all numbering perhaps about 20,000, to be able to exert unacceptable military pressure on the three divisions of Pakistani forces armed with tanks, artillery and heavier infantry weapons supported by aircraft. Therefore, it is to be expected that any limited area which the Pakistani forces decide to wrest and hold, they will be able to do so.