Defence Of India MASSIVE COMMUNITY EFFORT UNDER WAY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30028, 12 January 1963, Page 8

Defence Of India MASSIVE COMMUNITY EFFORT UNDER WAY

(From L. R. BLOXHAM, a Staff Reporter of "The Press") BOMBAY, December 15. “jyjOTORISTS and members of automobile associations all over India are requested to train individually one lady or gent in motor driving as their contribution towards the defence of India to strengthen jeep and ambulance corps

This advertisement in yesterday’s edition of “The Times of India” is a typical example of the massive, united effort the Indians are at present making to strengthen themselves against the possibility of further aggression from the Red Chinese.

“Give your gold; give your money; give your blood; India needs your help,” exhort the posters and banners that can be seen everywhere around the streets of this hot and dusty city. And the people respond. . . . The blood banks fill, the National Defence Fund swells, and the gold pours in. Contributions totalling £ll million have already been received by the defence fund committee, and purses—ranging from a few rupees to hundreds of thousands—still flood in from all over the country; from schoolchildren, factory workers, businessmen, women’s crgamißaitions and hospitals. Bombay 'florists, for instance, united the other day to help the fund by holding an impressive floral display for which flowers had been specially flown from Australia and New Zealand by the Inter-Flora Organisation. Prominently displayed was a map of India in floral relief with red arrows pin-pointing the areas the Chinese had occupied. The highlight, however, was a large floral cannon mounted on a “chariot” and hauled by an “elephant” —an exhibit which was later sold for £5O.

Mr Nehru’s recent, urgent plea for gold quickly resulted in four tons being received in the form of bracelets, rings.

ornaments and treasured family heirlooms. Workers ait a jute factory near Calcutta last week gave half a pound of gold, as well as three gallons of blood and £4OO. Leading trade and commercial organisations have publicly pledged themselves to increase production to meet civil and defence requirements and to make every effort to stabilise prices. “Put a gun in his hands by increased production—for the protection and defence of our frontiers,” says another advertisement in the same issue of “The Times of India.” “It is vital that the priceline be maintained to gear our country's economy to meet defence requirements.

Don’t take your freedom for granted,” it concludes. The general putrioc, too, have been urged to co-oper-ate by practising self-re-straint and austerity when making purchases: "Help the National Cause. Please do not pay more than the fairselling price fixed by the Government,” appeals another advertiser, while on the front page, an editorial panel states in bold print: “Buy only when you mustkeep prices down.” The community effort is particularly flourishing at village level; there being some nine volunteer services to suit persons of different

occupations and Inclinations. There is, for instance, the national volunteer rifle corps, open to persons between the ages of 18 and 35; the national cadet corps for students; the civil defence organisation with its rescue and fire-fighting services; the home guard to strengthen toe police force; toe volunteer labour corps; special corps for professional skills; and women’s corps to handle services Hoe motor-driving, telephones, nursing and first aid.

Educated Indians with whom I have spoken during the last few days have all expressed shock and dismay at the speed and efficiency with which toe Chinese shattered India’s border defences and starting penetrating south.

‘The Chinese forces would undoubtedly be here in Bombay today had they not withdrawn,” an Indian Church of England minister tcfld me. "We trust God that our prayers have been answered.”

_ Whether they have or not, India is not waiting to see. She views toe cease-fire with grave suspicion and doubt. It has, .however, given her a much-needed breathing space in which at least to prepare for further eventualities. thus safe-guarding her threatened freedom. It is for this cause that every man, woman and child has answered toe call to assist in toe greatest community effort in India's history. ]