He was asked to comment on Indian Defence Minister Krishna Menon’s latest statement regarding Kashmir in the course of which he had said that “India had never abjured the use of force”. This and other similar threats earlier held out by Messrs Nehru and Sanjiva Reddy “are not idle threats”, the spokesman said.

The competition between the big Powers for having the distinction of being the first to give the latest equipment and aircraft to India “is bound to alter materially the military balance against Pakistan, to increase instability in the region, and will add to the nervousness of smaller neighbouring countries”.

It is presumed in knowledgeable quarters that Pakistan must have conveyed its views on this race to such of her allies as are in it. In this context it may be noted that India is already quietly developing nuclear capability.

It is apparent that behind the façade of an imminent showdown with China, India is securing arms and equipment and aircraft in pursuance of its aggressive designs against Pakistan. —Special Representative