From Our Correspondent
Geneva, July 30
President Yahya Khan’s agreement to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) carrying out a “humanitarian action” to East Pakistan is a further step on the long road towards reestablishing a climate of confidence in which the return of millions of Pakistani refugees in India can be considered realistically.

The ICRC announced today that Mr Victor Umbricht, one of its members, accompanied by Mr Jean Ott(sp?) delegate-general for Asia, saw President Yahya Khan earlier this week and was told that he viewed favourably the prospect of the ICRC rejoining the relief work from which it was excluded in April. Then an aircraft from Genova carrying delegates and medical supplies was stopped at Karachi and forced to return here.

Mr Umbricht also visited India. In both countries the heads of national Red Cross societies assured him of full support for an ICRC operation. This will be primarily concerned with enabling divided families to reestablish contact, providing special assistance for exceptional hardship and medical help.

The presence of ICRC delegates, moving freely between the reception centres and, if necessary, capable of bringing pressure on the local authorities, should also be an important element in rebuilding confidence.