KARACHI: Mr Philip Noel-Baker told a Press conference in Karachi on Saturday [Jan 21] that HMG fully realised the urgency of a speedy settlement of the Kashmir problem.

Replying to a question on Pakistan-Afghan relations, the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations said: `I regret very much the tension that exists between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our feeling is that the attitude of Pakistan has been most conciliatory in the matter`. Pakistan is under international law, the lawful `inheritor of the rights and duties` of the old Indian Government of the regions on this side of the Durand Line. `The Durand Line is the international border,` he added. ... Staff correspondent [Meanwhile, as per news agencies from Dacca,] a rupees 17-crore scheme, providing for free compulsory education in East Pakistan, was approved by the Provincial Development Board at its last meeting held here recently. The Board is understood to have recommended that since the scheme could not be implemented at an early date start should be made in the year 1950-51 on a reduced scale. The entire scheme is envisaged to be put through in a period of ten years. ...