PHASE OF VIOLENCE IN INDIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 41, 17 August 1942, Page 5

PHASE OF VIOLENCE IN INDIA

MORE INCIDENTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association-—Copyright.) (Rec. 1 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 16. Rioting and destruction continue in a number of centres in India, but there is general agreement in responsible quarters, both Indian and British, that the first phase—

that of violent disorder—has al-

most passed. There is every indication that the Government forces are capable of »

maintaining the law and order they

have restored with such vigour

The President of the Liberal Federation, Mr. Sapru, today urged the British Government to send a delegation to India to negotiate. "We cannot allow the hooliganism which is rightly denounced by Mr. Rajagopala Chariar," he said. "Things have.gone so far that mutual discussions with broad-minded Parliamentarians can be ruled out as impossible, either on the ground of prestige or evidence of weakness. Overshadowing everything is the danger from the enemy, who are alert, follow events in India from day to day, and are carrying on propaganda by radio, which is apt. still further inflame the situation." Mr. Sapru and Mr. Rajagopala Chariar are going to Delhi this week. Mi-. Sapru is to meet the Viceroy, and it is reported that he may mediate between the Government and the Congress Party. Mr. Rajagopala Chariar appealed to Dr. Jinnah, president of the Moslem League, to co-operate with the Congress Party in forming a provisional Government.

The working committee of the Moslem League met today at. the home of> Dr. Jinnah, who expressed disapproval of the Congress Party's actions. In an interview. Dr. Jinnah said: •'lf Britain, in attempting to seek peace with the Congress Party, attempted t to sacrifice Moslems, ,\ve would terminate our co-operation. We have gone lar enough." Mr. Rujagopnla Chariar said: "The Moslem League should take the initiative. Dv. ■ Jinnah cannot be oblivious 10 the growing demand among his own people for immediate enforcement of a practical solution. A provisional Government can and must be formed which will truly speak, on behalf of the whole nation and can peremptorily demand from Britain the transfer of full power, making impossible any false plea or procrastination on behalf of British Imperialism. The Moslem League can take it for, granted that Congress agrees to the right of selfdetermination for federation units, and that they may choose to be separate and sovereign, being bound to the rest of India only for defence against foreign aggression." An ordnance has been issued in New Delhi conferring powers on military officers from the rank of captain upwards to protect property, even by such use of force as may cause death. The ordnance applies to all of British India, adn gives the same power to officers of equal rank in the armies of the Allies.