Detroit Free Press

NEW DELHI—(UPI)—The secessionist government of Bangla Desh proclaimed its sovereignty in East Pakistan on Tuesday and appealed to “all democratic countries” for recognition and assistance in the civil war with West Pakistan.

The proclamation, broadcast by the rebel Free Bengal Radio and monitored here said the capital of the Bangla Desh (Bengali Nation) government would be Chuadanga, a small town 10 miles from the border with India.

West Pakistani troops reportedly were concentrating on the capture of major urban centres as they continued to crush the rebellion.

A note from communist Chinese Premier Chou En-lai pledging Peking’s support to the Pakistan Government of President Agha Mohammed Yahya Khan brought response from Karachi and New Delhi on Tuesday.

In Karachi, seat of Yahya’s military government, a source said Chou’s message was a direct warning to India to stay out of the civil war in East Pakistan, which is situated along India’s eastern border 1,000 miles from West Pakistan.

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said, however, that Chou’s note would have no effect on India’s officially announced position of solidarity with the rebels.

Asked if India would recognize the secessionist government of Bangla Desh, Mrs. Gandhi said “the matter will receive due consideration.”