Baltimore Sun

WASHINGTON, June 22-Two shiploads of military equipment are being sent to Pakistan, but this is not a violation of a United States arms embargo on Pakistan, the State Department said today.

The weaponry was purchased before the ban went into effect March 25, the department said.

Charles Bray, the State Department spokesman, said the two freighters contained military equipment, mostly spare parts and accessories for planes and vehicles.

TURNED OVER BEFORE EMBARGO

They were formally turned over to the government of Pakistan before an embargo was placed on military sales following the civil strife that accompanied independence demands in East Pakistan.

In announcing the arms embargo, the State Department said that all sales of military equipment to Pakistan was being suspended and that the arms aid program, begun in 1967, was being put under review.

SHIP SAILED MAY 8

One shipload of supplies sailed from New York May 8 and was due in Karachi tomorrow. The second ship was scheduled to sail from New York today with an estimated arrival in Karachi in mid-August.

Mr. Bray added that the arms sales were made under a long-term understanding that they be used for defense purposes. If they were used to put down the East Pakistani independence movement it would be of considerable concern to the United States, he said.

India Cites U.S. Pledge

NEW DELHI, June 20-The Indian external affairs minister, Swaran Singh, said here tonight that the United States had given clear assurance to India that it would not supply military equipment of any kind to Pakistan.

At a press conference on his return from a tour of six world capitals, he said he felt that none of the countries he visited was likely to send aid to the military regime in Pakistan. His tour included stops at Moscow, Bonn, Paris, Ottawa, Washington and London.

Specifically answering questions about reports that two Pakistani ships, carrying surplus stores sold by the U.S. Air Force, were now bound for Karachi, Mr. Singh said that if the news item is correct, it is a "clear departure" from assurances given to India.

SEEKS HALT TO REPRESSION

Mr. Singh expressed "every hope" that the governments concerned will use their leverage and influence on Pakistan's rulers to stop the "military repressions" in East Pakistan.