A special mission from Stepney, London, set out yesterday to investigate the Pakistan refugee problem in West Bengal. It consisted of Mr Peter Shore, Labour MP for Stepney, the Bishop of Stepney, Dr Trevor Huddleston, and Mr Donald Chesworth, Chairman of War on Want.

Mr Shore said at Heathrow airport: “We are going to look at all aspects of the situation and I shall be taking a particularly close look at the underlying political problem.

“I am concerned with what has happened following the repression of what looked like the beginnings of democracy in Pakistan.”

Dr Huddleston said: “Apart from my own interest in War on Want I have a large number of Pakistanis in the diocese, and was glad to be able to have this opportunity of studying the situation at first hand.”


Geneva. Aug 25. —The International Commission of Jurists today asked President Yahya Khan to reconsider the decision to try Shaikh Mujibur Rahman in secret.

A cable signed by Mr Niall MacDermot, the secretary-general, said: “International Commission of Jurists warmly welcomes announcement distinguished Jurist Ak Brohy to act as counsel for Shaikh Mujib. Respectfully suggest reconsideration of decision hold trial in camera.”—Reuter.


Dacca. Aug 25.—Four regions of East Pakistan were almost entirely under waler today as the rain-swollen Ganges. Meghna and Arial rivers flooded the countryside. Four million people were officially reported homeless.—Agence France Presse.