CRISIS IN INDIA

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1942, Page 4

CRISIS IN INDIA

JAPANESE DANGER Quick Support Needed and self government. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec. 1.15). LONDON, Feb. 23. It is understood that the Brit sh War Cabinet is reviewing the whore situation of India, in an attempt to resolve its present political difficulties. .... , jThe “Daily Mail , in a leading article, said: There are great events pending in India, the Japanese menace’ to which is now looking even closer. But the relations between Britain and India still remain undetermined. On the wisdom of the decision that will now be taken depends the whole future of the Indian Empire. “There is an Indian crisis upon us. What are we going to do about it? Some people are saying that India is too hard a nut to crack, and that the Japanese would break their teeth on it if the v tried. India is being wrongly compared to China. India has oniy recently acquired national feeling, and 90 per cent, of her people do not know what fighting for India means. The remaining 10 per cent, would not fight enthusiastically for an India governed bv Britain. “India is most suitable for tank and air warfare. The Indian Army is not completely modernised. Tanks and aircraft must b e sent from Britain. Will they reach India in time? A Japanese invasion would spread panic among the Indians, unless they were superbly led, and unless they had faith in their cause. India’s defence cannot be left entirely to a General.” . The “Daiiv Telegraph’s” New Delhi correspondent savs: “It is urgently necessary for Britain and the United States to move with enough speed and vigour and imagination to cope with the grim facts of India’s situation, which is one that requires genius, plus dynamic energy. It is obvious that the paramount need is for adequate supplies of modern equipment, and also for first-class propaganda to counteract the Fifth Column activities.”