STIR IN INDIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 23 June 1943, Page 5

STIR IN INDIA

IMPLICATIONS DISCUSSED

(Rec. 11.50 a.m.) London, June 22. Field-Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell’s appointment as Viceroy has created a stir in India, where the implications are vigorously discussed on all sides, says “The Times” Simla correspondent. Nationalist circles are highly suspicious, and even in circles most friendly to Britain surprise persists at the appointment of a professional soldier as Viceroy for a period which is expected to extend beyond the war. The argument that the appointment of a professional soldier is appropriate in view of India’s role against Japan does not make a deep impression. It is pointed out that the problems for the Viceroy include control of food, clothing, transport and finance, also the political complications could be dealt with at least as well, perhaps better by a civilian administrator. It is also pointed out that the reorgansation of the military command left the Viceroy not responsible for the conduct of the war against Japan beyond keeping India as an efficient supply base. Some believe that the British Government may have envisaged the new Viceroy as a Minister of State to assist in co-ordinating the various agencies involved in operations against Japan without the necessity of reference to London. Affairs in India at present are moving in the right direction and when Field-Marshal Wavell takes over control from Lord Linlithgow he may find an atmosphere in which political advance is possible without detriment to the war effort.— P.A.