INDIA CRISIS

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1942, Page 5

INDIA CRISIS

SIR S. CRIPPS’S MISSION

Various Comments [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.]

LONDON, March 12. The Government’s decision to send Sir Stafford Cripps to India is regarded in London as a measure of the importance of Indian questions in tne immediate future; particularly as it is considered that tasks of magnitude and urgency await him at home. “Despite my love for the British, I think that their Imperialism is the greatest crime against India,” declared Gandhi, in an interview with the Associated Press at Wardha. He added that the British should confess ana* undo the wrong. Before Britain can claim moral superiority, she must take this first step. All else follows as day follows night. Sir Bijoy Prasad Singhroy, President of the National Liberal Federation of India, said that Mr Churchill’s statement had caused disappointment. Sir S. Cripps’ appointment was happy, but his task was extremely difficult. The “New York Times’s” Washington correspondent says: It is reliably understood that Britain has not only promised Dominion status, but also complete Indian independence, a certain time after the war.

The Viceroy has welcomed the forthcoming British mission to India headed by Sir Stafford Cripps, according to a message from India. The head of the Moslem League (Mr Jinnah), said that the Working Committee of the League would meet soon to consider the new situation.

The “Evening News” says: “Both Sir Stafford Cripps and the Indians themselves will be working against time. The Japanese will not wait on conferences. Unless quarrels between one creed and another can be set aside, unless Britain is openly recognised as India’s true friend, then India may go the way of Singapore, Java and Burma.” The “Star” says: “Sir Stafford Cripps’ greatest task will be to convince all' sections of Indian opinion that the first essential for future lib- 1 erty is to concentrate on the defence of their soil.”

After pointing out that Sir Stafford Cripps starts with the advantage of a long personal friendship with many of India’s most beloved leaders, the “Evening Standard” adds: “As in all our affairs at this fateful moment in the war, speed is the governing virtue. The Japanese wait for no man. At any moment, India may be called upon to give her answer to the onslaught of the barbarians in the same long sacrifice as was extorted from the Chinese. Let India know in the most emphatic terms that we stand with her in her trial, not as an overlord, but as a trusty partner and ally.” In an address . to the Canadian Club at New York, the’ Chinese Ambassador, Mr Hushih, said he is absolutely certain that India will enter the war against the Axis. China’s successful resistance against Japan should reassure the Allies, and should prove it is possible to stop the Japanese forces. “But it is noteworthy that since the outbreak of the Chin-ese-Japanese war, the Japanese have never encircled or entrapped any Chinese force, nor has any Chinese army ever surrendered.” Strikers Fired On SABOTAGE AT MADRAS. (Rec. 12.15). BOMBAY, March 13. Eight were killed and twenty were seriously injured when the police fired on strikers. The strikers were attempting to wreck a Madras cotton mill.