UNSC: Peace in East Pakistan

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The Moscow Accords
-----
Recognizing that warfare between India and the PRC has left thousands displaced and with no end in sight, the USSR would like to propose the following deal.

The Territory of East Pakistan is to become a demilitarized zone under the supervision of the UN.

A coalition government comprising the Proletarian Party of Bengal and the current Government of Bangladesh will be set up for the purpose of restoring law and order to the land and overseeing an eventual referendum on independence. The Soviet Union will send its own peacekeepers to ensure that neither China or India try to take advantage of the situation.

A referendum will be held when deemed appropriate on whether East Pakistan would like to: A. Remain part of Pakistan, B. Become an Autonomous territory of Pakistan with its own government and military or C. Become fully independent under a constitutional government.

The PLA will begin withdrawing 4 units from India beginning in the second half of this year and the remaining units will leave next year on new years day. There will be a full withdrawal from Kashmir and a restoration of Pre-War borders.

A Multinational relief operation will be set up to rebuild Bengal and make the area livable again in order to resettle refugees fleeing from the area.

All Pakistani officers involved in the slaughter of defenseless civilians will stand trial before a war tribunal.

The Soviet Union will assist Pakistan in rebuilding lost infrastructure and restoring order to the land.

Of course this is up for debate, but we'd like to hear the international communities thoughts on it.

[Red John]

There exists already a recognised Bangladeshi government, and the Mukti Bahini are valued cooperators with this government. The formation of a new coalition government, between a nascent political party deemed extremist by many, and a group literally titled "Freedom Fighters", makes little sense to us. India believes that all territory should be handed over to this provisional government led by a well respected Bengali politician and, if the United Nations feels necessary, be mandated to hold elections within a certain timeframe.

Furthermore, the PLA has deployed a full ten units- unless the Soviet Union proposes we are to cede territory in Kashmir, and that this treaty would refute our claim to the area. We are willing to accept gradual Chinese evacuation, but it must be a complete evacuation, and a return to the status quo ante bellum with regards to national borders.

Finally, we maintain that the referendum should be between independence and remaining a part of Pakistan. The third option of autonomy is unnecessary.

(Actually rereading this, I just realised this is a UNSC discussion, so not sure if I'm allowed to post here. )

[Flaming Bolshevik]

We formally invite the PRC and India to speak.

[Xaph]

We find it unfortunate that the Soviet Union is attempting to use the conflict in Asia as an opportunity to install a minority government in power. We would prefer to see a real peace deal, not an opportunistic land grab.

[Red John]

The Moscow Accords
-----
Recognizing that warfare between India and the PRC has left thousands displaced and with no end in sight, the USSR would like to propose the following deal.

The Territory of East Pakistan is to become a demilitarized zone under the supervision of the UN, but managed by the Bangladeshi government, whom will cooperate with the UN in restoring order and peace.The Mukti Bahini, and all its members, shall formally lay down their arms and demilitarise themselves, handing over weaponry to the United Nations, to be held until the completion of the referendum. All members will be subject to no trials for their participation in the conflict.

A coalition government comprising the Proletarian Party of Bengal and the current Government of Bangladesh will be set up The current, recognised, government of Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, shall be handed over control of East Pakistan, for the purpose of restoring law and order to the land and overseeing an eventual referendum on independence. The date for the referendum will be 6 months after the passing of this resolution, unless a credible case is brought before the UNSC to delay the referendum vote.

The Soviet Union will send its own peacekeepers to ensure that neither China or India try to take advantage of the situation.A broad, multinational effort shall be launched, in which the United Nations shall oversee the deployment of peacekeepers. India, Pakistan, and the People's Republic of China, are to be excluded from the list of candidates for deployment.

A referendum will be held when deemed appropriate on whether East Pakistan would like to: A. Remain part of Pakistan,B. Become an Autonomous territory of Pakistan with its own government and military or B. Become fully independent under a constitutional government.

The PLA will begin withdrawing 4 units from India beginning in the second half of this year and the remaining units will leave next year on new years day. There will be a full withdrawal from Kashmir and a restoration of Pre-War borders. India shall remove all troops from East Pakistan, but is free to deploy troops to reoccupy territory seized by the People's Republic, and Pakistan, in accordance with the resolution.

A Multinational relief operation will be set up to rebuild Bengal and make the area livable again in order to resettle refugees fleeing from the area, overseen by the United Nations, any authorised charities operating in the area, and the Bangladeshi government.

All Pakistani officers involved in the slaughter of defenseless civilians will stand trial before a war tribunal.

The Soviet Union will assist Pakistan in rebuilding lost infrastructure and restoring order to the land. (The Soviet Union may do as it wishes, but the resolution does not need to include this. Any national agreements between the USSR and Pakistan are their own matters entirely.)

Of course this is up for debate, but we'd like to hear the international communities thoughts on it.

We propose an amended resolution which we would accept.

[Master of Oblivion]

(The Ambassador from the People's Republic of China arrives and looks around the room in envy. He spots the ambassador from the Republic of China and gives him a death state, mouthing the word "soon" while pointing at his chair)

We believe it is appropriate to discuss the context of this conflict before starting the peace process. The People's Republic of China acted to defend its ally in Pakistan and to defend the peace process. The government of Pakistan had agreed to a unilateral ceasefire as seen by this diplomatic exchange below.

We would like to call upon the Pakistani military to engage in a unilateral ceasefire with all rebel factions so that rebels can withdraw to safe zones. After a period of one week the army can attack rebels outside these safe zones or ones that attack the Pakistani government. The Pakistani military cannot enter these safe zones. Likewise we would call upon the Maoist rebels to also engage in a ceasefire.

Pakistan will agree to that, provided that if they are attacked by rebels based in any safe zone, the safe zone status is revoked for that zone alone. They are concerned that the safe zones will become basing areas for renewed and intensified attacks. They also want the zones termed "ceasefire zones" or "humanitarian zones". And they'd like troops from friendly nations stationed there to prevent India taking advantage. Perhaps some of the Arab nations, or Iran or Turkey, or any combination thereof.

This agreement was publicly announced by the People's Daily. China also announced it was deploying peacekeepers to oversee the conflict. Yet instead of engaging in the peace process and letting diplomacy triumph, India felt the need to invade. This invasion was not sanctioned by any international body, nor was it followed by a declaration of war. It was an illegal and cowardly attack. India deliberately undermined Chinese efforts to secure an end to the conflict to weaken the state of Pakistan. India will no doubt claim that Pakistan was going to violate the ceasefire, but we must ask, why not wait until this happens? What ifs and hypotheticals should not be the reasons we go to war. China invaded India in response to the attacks on our men.

We leave the International community to consider these facts while debating how to respond to this conflict. Despite misgivings about the fairness and precedent set by this conflict we believe that the Soviet plan is rather sound. All groups within East Pakistan must be included in the peace process for it to have any success. We believe that the Republic of India should be sanctioned and condemned for its reckless rush into war. Refusing to do so sets a dangerous precedent for international conflicts. We also believe that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan should be allowed to weigh in on these issues.

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The Soviet Delegate stands, clearly frustrated and exhausted.

Comrades, at this stage it does not matter "who did what" and it does not matter "why". When India approached us seeking closer ties to the Soviet Union we were ecstatic at the possibility of one of the world's poorest and most populous regions striving towards Socialism and seeking to undertake projects which would have relieved the suffering of the people residing in the sub-continent.

And then there is China, our relations with our Maoist brothers have not always been the best and tension has existed due to ideological differences but the fact of the matter is this, they remain our Comrades, and should they accept this peace then it will stay that way. We highly urge the PRC to accept this peace treaty or sanctions will be proposed and implemented.

Should war continue, any side that continues offensive campaigns against the other will be met with heavy sanctions and a heavy hand by the UN.

Comrades, we are at a moment in history where we can decide the future of millions, will there be warfare or will there be peace? Will we allow the world to watch and snicker as two victims of Imperialism slaughter eachother or will they make peace and spit upon those who wish death to the international brotherhood of mankind.

[Red John]

The Indian delegate stands with great vigor, and his face fails to mask his fury and disgust at the words of the Chinese delegate.

(The Ambassador from the People's Republic of China arrives and looks around the room in envy. He spots the ambassador from the Republic of China and gives him a death state, mouthing the word "soon" while pointing at his chair)

We believe it is appropriate to discuss the context of this conflict before starting the peace process. The People's Republic of China acted to defend its ally in Pakistan and to defend the peace process. The government of Pakistan had agreed to a unilateral ceasefire as seen by this diplomatic exchange below.

We would like to call upon the Pakistani military to engage in a unilateral ceasefire with all rebel factions so that rebels can withdraw to safe zones. After a period of one week the army can attack rebels outside these safe zones or ones that attack the Pakistani government. The Pakistani military cannot enter these safe zones. Likewise we would call upon the Maoist rebels to also engage in a ceasefire.

Pakistan will agree to that, provided that if they are attacked by rebels based in any safe zone, the safe zone status is revoked for that zone alone. They are concerned that the safe zones will become basing areas for renewed and intensified attacks. They also want the zones termed "ceasefire zones" or "humanitarian zones". And they'd like troops from friendly nations stationed there to prevent India taking advantage. Perhaps some of the Arab nations, or Iran or Turkey, or any combination thereof.

This agreement was publicly announced by the People's Daily. China also announced it was deploying peacekeepers to oversee the conflict. Yet instead of engaging in the peace process and letting diplomacy triumph, India felt the need to invade. This invasion was not sanctioned by any international body, nor was it followed by a declaration of war. It was an illegal and cowardly attack. India deliberately undermined Chinese efforts to secure an end to the conflict to weaken the state of Pakistan. India will no doubt claim that Pakistan was going to violate the ceasefire, but we must ask, why not wait until this happens? What ifs and hypotheticals should not be the reasons we go to war. China invaded India in response to the attacks on our men.

We leave the International community to consider these facts while debating how to respond to this conflict. Despite misgivings about the fairness and precedent set by this conflict we believe that the Soviet plan is rather sound. All groups within East Pakistan must be included in the peace process for it to have any success. We believe that the Republic of India should be sanctioned and condemned for its reckless rush into war. Refusing to do so sets a dangerous precedent for international conflicts. We also believe that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan should be allowed to weigh in on these issues.

We absolutely agree- context must be provided, so that we may deconstruct the Chinese argument and fully demonstrate to the United Nations the sheer malice that both the Pakistani and Chinese governments hold to the ailing Bengali people, that they'd actively cooperate to exterminate them.

The conflict has deeper roots than this, but following this particular cyclone, the most devastating cyclone in human history, it can be said that the straw had finally broken the camels back- the Bengali people were utterly sick and tired of their freedoms being trampled on by the Pakistani government- they wanted more from life.

*An estimated half a million people are killed when a tropical cyclone hits the densely populated Ganges Delta in East Pakistan.

And the systemic incompetence of the Pakistani government: (though we attribute it to malice.)

A week after the cyclone's landfall, President Khan conceded that his government had made "slips" and "mistakes" in its handling of the relief efforts. He said there was a lack of understanding of the magnitude of the disaster. He also said that the general election slated for December 7 would take place on time, although eight or nine of the worst affected districts might experience delays, denying rumours that the election would be postponed.

The Pakistan Red Crescent began to operate independently of the government as the result of a dispute that arose after the Red Crescent took possession of 20 rafts donated by the British Red Cross. A pesticide company had to wait two days before it received permission for two of its crop dusters, which were already in the country, to carry out supply drops in the affected regions. The Pakistani government only deployed a single helicopter to relief operations, with Yahya Khan later stating that there was no point deploying any helicopters from West Pakistan as they were unable to carry supplies.

A reporter for the Pakistan Observer spent a week in the worst hit areas in early January and saw none of the tents supplied by relief agencies being used to house survivors and commented that the grants for building new houses were insufficient. The Pakistan Observer regularly carried front-page stories with headlines like "No Relief Coordination", whilst publishing government statements saying "Relief operations are going smoothly." In January, the coldest period of the year in East Pakistan, the National Relief and Rehabilitation Committee, headed by the editor of Ittefaq, said thousands of survivors from the storm were "passing their days under [the] open sky". A spokesman said families who were made homeless by the cyclone were receiving up to 250 rupees to rebuild, but that resources were scarce and he feared the survivors would "eat the cash".

Members of the Council, there exists no reasonable doubt that the Pakistani government failed it's responsibilities as a government. How many innocent people died because of government incompetence in relief efforts? Too many, we would say.

Let us look now to the following election- the election of the party we now recognize as the legal government of Bangladesh. The 1970 Pakistani General election, as it is known, was a landslide victory for the Awami League. Elected off the back of Pakistani incompetence, the League spearheaded the so-called "Six Point Movement". Following it's victory, achieving 288 of the 300 provincial assembly seats in East Pakistan, as well as 167 of the 169 National Assembly seats, the Awami League was in a decisive position to form a government without needing to enter into a coalition, and implement the Six Point Plan; which we will now look at:

The Constitution should provide for a Federation of Pakistan in its true sense based on the Lahore Resolution, and the parliamentary form of government with supremacy of a Legislature directly elected on the basis of universal adult franchise.
The federal government should deal with only two subjects: Defence and Foreign Affairs, and all other residual subjects should be vested in the federating states.
Two separate, but freely convertible currencies for two wings should be introduced; or if this is not feasible, there should be one currency for the whole country, but effective constitutional provisions should be introduced to stop the flight of capital from East to West Pakistan. Furthermore, a separate Banking Reserve should be established and separate fiscal and monetary policy be adopted for East Pakistan.
The power of taxation and revenue collection should be vested in the federating units and the federal centre would have no such power. The federation would be entitled to a share in the state taxes to meet its expenditures.
There should be two separate accounts for the foreign exchange earnings of the two wings; the foreign exchange requirements of the federal government should be met by the two wings equally or in a ratio to be fixed; indigenous products should move free of duty between the two wings, and the constitution should empower the units to establish trade links with foreign countries.
East Pakistan should have a separate military or paramilitary force, and Navy headquarters should be in East Pakistan.

The plan would grant significant autonomy to East Pakistan, and finally allow the people to free themselves from the ever-tightening grip of the West Pakistani governments. Had the Awami League been able to implement this plan, members of the Council, we state with certainty that this crisis would not have occurred. Pakistan would still be a unified state, and hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians would not be lying in mass graves throughout East Pakistan, with many more displaced.

But they were not able to implement this plan. Instead, this happened:

*The Pakistani President indefinitely postpones the upcoming National Assembly session, prompting protests in East Pakistan. In response, the Pakistani Army occupies its distant eastern province.

Which led to, rightfully, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to make his historic speech to rise up against the tyranny of West Pakistan.

*Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, East Pakistani political leader, calls on people to prepare to fight for their independence.

Which then, members of the Council, led to the absolutely horrendous crimes against humanity- a systemic genocide orchestrated by the Pakistani military.

denounced as a genocide by critics of the regime, with apparent reports of hundreds of thousands of Bengalis are killed or raped, with many more fleeing as refugees into India. Some estimates for the violence list the numbers of casualties in the millions. Pakistan maintains it is responding to an internal rebellion and the question remains one of its sovereignty and is a domestic matter.

*From within East Pakistan and the surrounding area of Bengal, imagery pours out of the horrors within. Photos, video, personal testimonies, and more all speak to the violence being perpetrated there, with the Pakistani Army at the centre of events. Condemnations of the violence pour in, particularly from non-Western nations.

We thank the People's Republic for mentioning how necessary context is- indeed, context is absolutely vital if the United Nations as a whole is to operate. We have provided adequate context that completely delegitimize the blatant Chinese imperialism that would seek to deny the Bengali people their freedom, and there is no doubt that the Pakistani government is a regime which actively practices genocide.

As for the ceasefire? Our talks with the Chinese government revealed just how unhinged and powerhungry they are. Ignoring the fact that the People's Republic referred to the Pakistani elections as "Bourgeious elections", going on to say "We think our skepticism in Bourgeious elections is already well known throughout the world. The Proletariat Party speaks for the will of the workers", this being said as they are invading India to support a regime elected by said "bourgeois" elections, there is one simple fact that proves there were no grounds for unilateral intervention by the People's Republic.

*As part of an attempt to secure a ceasefire, the PRC begins airlifting troops into East Pakistan in an attempt to observe a potential ceasefire. However despite Pakistani willingness, the Bangladeshi provisional government refuses to broker a peace while the army perpetrates violence. Attempts to broker a peace break down.

Members of the Council- the Bangladeshi government rightfully refused this ceasefire which was to be forced on them. The People's Republic, in spite of this, deployed a full 2 units from the PLA to East Pakistan, which led to the Mukti Bahini being outnumbered three to one. The Pakistani government has done absolutely nothing to show remorse over their crimes, and yet the People's Republic had the gall to demand the instatement of a ceasefire, even as the blood of innocent women and children runs down the Ganges?

For too long have the Bengali people lingered under foreign rule- famine and famine, disaster after disaster, these foreign governments have failed to act in the best interests of the people. Neither India or, most importantly, the Bengali people will tolerate this any longer. The Awami League was elected in a most powerful show of democracy, and we will not let the totalitarian society of the People's Republic impose itself onto the Indian subcontinent, to ruin the lives of millions.

[Master of Oblivion]

After talks with the Republic of India we have arrived at the following modifications

The Territory of East Pakistan is to become a demilitarized zone under the supervision of the UN, but managed by the Bangladeshi government, whom will cooperate with the UN in restoring order and peace.The Mukti Bahini, and all its members, shall formally lay down their arms and demilitarise themselves, handing over weaponry to the United Nations, to be held until the completion of the referendum. All members will be subject to no trials for their participation in the conflict.

The current, recognised, government of Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, shall be handed over control of East Pakistan, for the purpose of restoring law and order to the land and overseeing an eventual referendum on independence. The date for the referendum will be 6 months after the passing of this resolution, unless a credible case is brought before the UNSC to delay the referendum vote.

A broad, multinational effort shall be launched, in which the United Nations shall oversee the deployment of peacekeepers. India, Pakistan, and the People's Republic of China, are to be excluded from the list of candidates for deployment.

A referendum will be held when deemed appropriate on whether East Pakistan would like to: A. Remain part of Pakistan, or B. Become fully independent

The PLA will begin withdrawing 4 units from India beginning in the second half of this year and the remaining units will leave next year on new years day. There will be a full withdrawal from Kashmir and a restoration of Pre-War borders. India shall remove all troops from East Pakistan, but is free to deploy troops to reoccupy territory seized by the People's Republic, and Pakistan, in accordance with the resolution.

A Multinational relief operation will be set up to rebuild Bengal and make the area livable again in order to resettle refugees fleeing from the area, overseen by the United Nations, any authorised charities operating in the area, and the Bangladeshi government.

All Pakistani officers involved in the slaughter of defenseless civilians will stand trial before a war tribunal.

The Proletarian Party of East Bengal will be designated as on Official Party that seeks to represent the People of East Pakistan/Bangladesh and will be allowed to participate in the transitional political process as long as it refrains from violence against the state

[Red John]

We find the above resolution agreeable- so long as the government of Bangladesh also agrees.

[Huojin]

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

This agreement is appalling to every true Muslim and Pakistani. Nevertheless, we will agree in order to end the fighting. May Allah have mercy on us all.

Provisional Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

We will agree, and with this peace prepare to usher in a new age of a Bangladesh without tyranny and oppression. Allah be praised!

[Red John]

With all parties in agreement, we will assume that there will be no veto exercised.

Thus, we'd like to invite discussion regarding the deployment of peacekeepers.

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The Soviet Union is willing to provide peacekeepers.

[Xaph]

The United States is available to deploy 1 unit of peacekeepers.

[Red John]

We propose an additional two units be sent, in addition to the units generously provided by the USSR and the USA. If they are so willing, we would propose that Canada and Poland be requested to send one unit each.