Washington. Nov 12.—Mr William Rogers, the American Secretary of State, today expressed fears that hostilities might break out soon between India and Pakistan.

America was very much concerned about the build-up of military forces in the border areas between India and Pakistan, he said, and had asked both sides to exercise restraint.

The Administration has previously expressed concern over rising tensions but Mr Rogers's remarks appeared to view the situation in more urgent terms. “We are apprehensive that these clashes (at the border) might lead to the outbreak of hostilities in the days ahead”, he said.

Mr Rogers, who was addressing a luncheon meeting, told a questioner that America was doing everything it could to prevent a war. “Obviously, if war breaks out. we will do everything we can to stay out”, he added. “We have no intention of getting into any other war.”

America was using quiet diplomacy to seek, to lessen the border tensions.—Reuter.
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