WASHINGTON: Five thousand anti-war demonstrators were arrested in Washington today [May 3] as militants tried to tie up the city’s rush-hour traffic, Police Chief Jerry Wilson announced. At least three running battles were fought with the young demonstrators seeking to dramatise their demands for an immediate end to the Viet-Nam war by stopping the wheels of the Federal Government.

… President Nixon sent a special message to Washington Police Chief Jerry Wilson today urging police to deal fairly but firmly with anti-war protesters. … The troops were in place before dawn, with between 300 and 500 estimated to be patrolling each of the five bridges. … The capital city was like an armed camp, with the authorities marshalling massive power to thwart the protesters. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Islamabad] Israel is reported to have made an offer to the co-called “Bangla Desh government” for recognition as well as arms supply … the offer was made during unofficial contacts as the Israel Government wanted to give time to the BanglaDesh government to consider whether Israel’s offer would not embarrass it.

The agency quoting sources close to the so-called Bangla Desh government in Calcutta, said that the “provisional government” was vacillating because of repercussions in Arab countries.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2021