Calcutta, April 13
Britain may be confronted with a moral dilemma within the next few days. Emissaries from the Liberation Front in East Pakistan intend to approach the British mission in Calcutta with a request for the formal recognition of a provisional government of "Bangla Desh", the name chosen by Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, the dissident leader.

An Awami League spokesman in Calcutta confirmed reports that emissaries from the Liberation Front, an alliance of all political parties in the eastern province of Pakistan, have already asked several foreign missions, including the Soviet consulate, and the Indian Government to recognize a provisional government which is expected to be set up this week.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the provisional government will be formed by Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed, the general secretary of the Awami League. Mr. Ahmed was Shaikh Mujib's right-hand man and the party's principal strategist. He was reported to have been shot dead when the
Army moved in on March 25, but there are strong indications in India that he is still alive.

The emissaries who called on foreign missions in Calcutta said they had told diplomats that the issue of Bangla Desh's status should not be treated in the context of rebellion or secession.

"We reminded the representatives of foreign powers that the 75 million people of Bangla Desh were in a majority in the former state of Pakistan", one of them said. They had voted solidly for the Awami League's six point programme.