To conclude, the tragedy of March 25 [1969] caught me by surprise. Yahya Khan fooled even me.

Mujib [Rahman], as you've seen, is a congenital liar. He can't help telling lies - it's something stronger than he.

Even to get Yahya Khan to reason was an impossible task - it only made you lose your temper.

The sanction of force stands behind the medley of personal orders and regulations of Martial Law. The sanction of the people's consent stands behind the hierarchy of laws. In one situation, the population is regimented into acquiescence. In the other, the population voluntarily establishes a contract with Parliament.

In April [1972], after that fine business in Dacca, Yahya Khan sent for me. He looked satisfied, sure of himself, by now convinced he had the situation in hand. He offered me a drink. "Well, you politicians are really finished," he said. Then he said that not only Mujib but I too was considered an agitator, I too was preaching against the unity of Pakistan. "I'm always under pressure to arrest you, Bhutto" I got so angry I lost all control.

I'm not trying to minimize things; I'm trying to bring them back to reality.

Yes, there are circumstances where a bloody suppression is justifiable and justified.