QUESTION CONSIDERED BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL AT ITS 1606TH, 1607TH AND 1608TH MEETINGS ON 4, 5 AND 6 DECEMBER, 1971,

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

Noting the reports of the Secretary-General of 3 and 4 December 1971 and the letter from the President of the Security council transmitting the text of Council Resolution 303 (1971) of 6 December 1971,

Gravely concerned that hostilities have broken out between India and Pakistan which constitute an immediate threat to international peace and security,

Recognizing the need to deal appropriately at a subsequent stage, within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations, with the issues which have given rise to the hostilities,

Convinced that an early political solution would be necessary for the restoration of conditions of normalcy in the area of conflict and for the return of the refugees to their homes,

Mindful of the provisions of the Charter, in particular of Article 2, paragraph 4,

Recalling the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security, particularly paragraphs 4, 5 and 6.

Recognizing further the need to take immediate measures to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan and effect a withdrawal of their armed forces to their own side of the

India-Pakistan borders,

Mindful of the purposes and principles of the Charter and of the General Assembly's responsibilities under the relevant provisions of the Charter and of Assembly resolution 377 A (V) of 3 November 1950,

1. Calls upon the Governments of India and Pakistan to take forthwith all measures for an immediate cease-fire and withdrawal of their armed forces on the territory of the other to their own side of the India-Pakistan borders;

2. Urges that efforts be intensified in order to bring about, speedily and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, conditions necessary for the voluntary return of the East Pakistan refugees to their homes;

3. Calls for the full co-operation of all States with Secretary-General for rendering assistance to and relieving the distress of those refugees;

4. Urges that every effort be made to safeguard the lives and well-being of the civilian population in the area of conflict;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the General Assembly and the Security Council promptly and currently informed on the implementation of the present resolution;

6. Decides to follow the question closely and to meet again should the situation so demand;

7. Calls upon the Security Council to take appropriate action in the light of the present resolution.