SOVIET OFFER UNCONDITIONAL MIGs may be used against Chinese

NEW DELHI, Dec. 31: Prime Minister Nehru declared here today that India was free to use MiG-21 aircraf t against China in case a major conflagration took place.

He said India expected the aircraf t from the Soviet Union to come here fairly soon. "They are supposed to be despatched by ship by the end of this year, or may be the beginning of Januar y."

Addressing a Press conference af ter a gap of five months, Shri Nehru reiterated his Government's resolve to strengthen the defence forces to face any eventuality.

He also hinted at the possibility of long-term militar y aid programme from the Western countries in the form of manufacturing of machinery and bulk purchase of equipment.