Understandable Apologies

Understandable Apologies Nireekshak IF the strike in most of the leading English newspapers had been shorter, we would, perhaps, have been treated to many new facets of Indo-Soviet differences over arms aid to Pakistan. The Prime Minister's secretariat seems to have handled the uproar fairly well on the whole, though it could have gainfully persuaded the Prime Minister to make the appropriate noises somewhat earlier. Was she, by any chance, restrained by the pro-Soviet wing in the Ministry of External Affairs ? Was it a case of nerves? Whatever it was, the Prime Minister has handled the issue with some panache. Credit is probably due to P N Haksar who heads her secretariat.