U.K. National Archives 1971-03-09

Excerpt from the Records of the UK Cabinet CAB 128/49/13.

Conclusions of a meeting of the Cabinet held at 10 Downing Street, on Tuesday, 9 March, 1971 at 11 a.m.

Conclusions of a meeting of the Cabinet held at 10 Downing Street, on Tuesday, 9 March, 1971 at 11` a.m.

Attendees: E Heath; R Maudling; Hailsham; W Whitelaw; K Joseph; M Thatcher; Jellicoe; P Thomas; A Douglas-Home; A Barber; Carrington; R Carr; G Campbell; P Walker; J Prior; J Davies; M Macmillan; F Pym.

The Cabinet were informed that, in the light of the prospect of civil disorder in East Pakistan, preparations had been made for the evacuation of British subjects in so far as this might prove possible and desirable if the situation deteriorated further. A certain number of women and children were in fact leaving that day; but, in view of the delicacy of the constitutional relations at issue between the East and West Wings of Pakistan, it would be advisable to avoid any public reference to action of this nature for the time being.