BRITONS UPHELD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22445, 27 September 1947, Page 7

BRITONS UPHELD

DIFFICULT DAYS PUNJAB FORCE OFFICIAL APPRECIATION NEW DELHI, Sept. 25. The Indian Prime Minister’s Secretariat, replying to criticism of British officers of the former Punjab boundary force Pandit Hridya Nath Kunzru, a member of the Constituent Assembly, said: “The Army had to face a difficult situation. Officers and other ranks worked under great difficulties because of the division of the Army.”

Pandit Kunzru said yesterday that if the boundary force, which had 90 per cent British commanders, had acted impartially the refugee situation could have been brought under control, but they must bear the discredit for failure and catastrophe. An Indian communique regretted that the charges were made against British officers, “who as a rule discharged their duty to the best of their ability. The Government must express appreciation of their work.”

Reuter says it is feared that Pandit Kunzru’s charges will incite violence against the British in India. An Indian Army communique states that over 1,500,000 Moslems and nonMoslems were foot-slogging to East and West Punjab. During, the last 10 days 450,000 Moslems have been sent to Pakistan and 150,000 Hindus and Sikhs have crossed into India. There are 850,000 Moslem refugees in East Punjab and an equal number of Hindus and Sikhs on the move In West Punjab. Giving them ample protection was out of the question, said an Army spokesman. Fifty thousand Moslem refugees were inoculated in one camp at Delhi because of suspected cholera. Another British officer was killed today defending a refugee train at Arnbala. Sixteen Moslems were killed when United Provinces police drove off 1000 Moslems attacking the village of Sari. Four were killed and two injured at Arnbala when the police opened fire on a mob looting fodder. Another British officer was severelywounded while enforcing the curfew at Amritsar.