India, Pakistan, And China

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30201, 5 August 1963, Page 10

India, Pakistan, And China

India appears to have good cause for fearing an early resumption of Chinese armed encroachments on its Himalayan border region. Indeed, repercussions of the overt Chinese breach with Russia are likely to be felt more keenly in India than in any other Asian country. Fear of the Chinese and recognition of its defensive shortcomings have impelled the Indian Government to reappraise urgently its traditional policy of non-align-ment. The recent conclusion of an "air training agree- " ment ” providing for “ con- “ sultation ” among the British, United States, and Indian Governments if India is attacked by China almost eliminated the last shreds of this policy. But for the fact that India has promised no reciprocal military assistance, the three Powers might well have established a formal alliance. The lack of such an alliance, however, enables India to exploit Russian hatred of China and to secure military supplies from the Soviet Union and its satellites as well as from the West. India’s special need at present is for air defences, particularly against Chinese assaults on crowded cities such as Calcutta. The world is treated to the extraordinary spectacle of Britain and the United States joining with Russia in measures designed to restrain Chinese aggression. India's virtual abandon-

ment of neutralism has had important consequences in Pakistan, where disquiet about Indian intentions is always easily aroused. Pakistan sees in India’s new strength not merely a buttress against China but a potential threat to Pakistani security. The scale of Western military and economic aid to India has sadly exacerbated Pakistani feelings. As a member of both the Central and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisations, Pakistan plays a key role in Western strategy. Recently, the Pakistani Government has threatened to withdraw from both organisations; and there have even been rumours that Pakistan will seek an alliance with China as protection against India. Britain and the United States have assured Pakistan that their military assistance to India is being strictly controlled and that any Indian attack would immediately be resisted by British and American forces. At present, Russia and the West are actively competing tor influence in India; but it would be wrong for the West to forget the historic loyalty of its Pakistani allies. Thus, while the Communists’ ideological war has helped to bring Russia and the West into closer understanding on nuclear disarmament, it is also creating potentially explosive situations in which old friendships, if not carefully nurtured, may be irretrievably I lost.