EMPIRE WAR EFFORT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 82, 31 December 1940, Page 6

EMPIRE WAR EFFORT

India’s Aid In Men And Material FIGHT FOR COMMON CAUSE Dominion Special Service. AUCKLAND, December 30. The eagerness of India to assist the Empire war effort and its readiness to supply men and materials and to suffer any necessary hardships for what it regarded as a common cause were described yesterday by two Indian railway service engineers, Messrs. L. P. Healy and J. Paulie, who arrived by the flying-boat Aotearoa from Sydney. They will leave later this week by the Pan-American Airways Clipper on their way to Canada, where they will remain for five or six months before returning to India.

“India is making a big effort to help the Empire,” said Mr. Healy. “Differences of the past have been sunk for the sake of the war effort and industry is putting its weight behind the Empire in the production of munitions and other materials. Large forces of soldiers are going to the front, these coming from the separate State armies as well as from the Indian Army; the Royal Indian Navy is being expanded; and Indian pilot officers are already in England, while a great supply is in training.

“In addition, private aud official interests are assisting the war effort by the raising of funds through charity shows, war savings, and so ou. The general political situation is good aud India is cheerfully meeting restrictions in imports imposed because of the war. Prices for imported articles have been increased from 25 to 50 per cent., these goods including some foodstuffs, such as tinned fruit and oatmeal. though bread, rice and wheat remain at pre-war levels. “Formerly, too,” continued Mr. Healy, “there was a big Japanese market in India, and this has been considerably curtailed. Income tax has been raised by about. 10 per cent., but in this as in other prices rises caused by the war India accepts the difference without hesitation because of its determination to help against: the enemy. As for the outcome of the war, India is more than optimistic; it is certain of victory.”