1946-09-06 — Page 2

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THE CHINA MAIL, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1946.

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WHAT HOPE FOR INDIA'S PEACE?

owes

to rouse

Quite

apart from the fact that the North-Western provinces and States. (Group 8) are predo minantly Muslim, they form a natural geographical unit. Their economic life depends absolute. ly on the five great rivers to which they owe their fertility. If I may venture on a sugges- tion, it is that Congress should go into the Constituent Assem- of dis- bly with the purpose covering positive and useful functions for '& group-organi- Not The Way

These Muslima RIW the Hindu cation in thle region. majority riding

reughshod provinces ought to control their over them in the Constituent rivers in common, which means that they should together plan arming the Assembly, and Union with powers and func- and execute their schemes for

hydro-electricity, Irrigation, set tions they never intended to

tlement on the land and water- concede to it. This was not

transport. That would be an opportunity and it a more liberal attitude. Their

Lindas should benefit

and narrowness and bigotry spring Sikhs no less than Muslims. To from their fear of Hindu num-

aatisfy the pride of the League, bora and Hindu Anance.

What, now, is to be done?

this group of provinces should No hopeful expedient remains, enjoy some of the dignity and

power of Statehood--its save to hand over responsibilling for Instance and its own

DEATH

PERRY-F. W. D., 2/Lt., 2/9 Jat Regt, previously reported missing, now offcially pro- sumed killed in action At Singapore

on or aftor Feb. 11, 1942, the only son of Mr. and Mr. F. A. Perry, Highcroft rejoicing. No one felt any con- had yielded something substan- the way to induce them to adopt immense

and Radyr,

Cardiff, nr. formerly of Hongkong.

PEACE

that

By H. N. BRAILSFORD

Interim Government. Indian Union. Mr. Jinnah's brusque refe of an

Nehri'n argu-ragraphical fooling. tion of the Cabinet Midon's First, the League demanded rent was that it must koal Rettlement has shuttered our Hindu-Muslim parity in num- with customa and tariffs; that hopes of an easy birth Tor Iulian bers. Secondly, Mr. Jinnah it should levy Income tax; and Independence. Our resolve to publicly vetood the nomination that it should have power to end our rule over the Peninsula of any non-League Muslim, override the autonomy of the is still the decisive fact, but it This was a challenge Congress provinces in a grave emergency, tu theory this may be sound is doubtful whether the plan could not ignore. for it worked out at New Delhi with much to the moral courago of doctrine, but it was calculated so much patience can be made its Muslim adherents. But the

all the fears that workable by patching. In re- gravest difficulty of all is that haunt the Muslims. The quall- trospect I realise that I ought Congress accepted the Mission's fied version of Pakistan was to feel no surprise at this plan with Inner reservations. vanishing: oven provincial" au- initial 'reverse. Indian opinion, When these were, disclosed by tonomy looked inaccure. thanks Jargely tu Gandhi's its newly-elected' President, recogniac Jawaharlal Nehru, in a reckless generosity, did come the Mission's sincerity, but for statement to the press, the Mus- never lims had some excuse for their its plan there was popular welcome. Though In- accusation that he had torn up dependence seemed to be in the compromise they had accept aight, I never saw during my ed. Eact side, in the protracted a sign of discussions with the Mission, five months' stay fidence in the future, and it tial to the other. The Muslims was often the shrewdent obser- accepted the idea of an Indian vers who voiced the blackest Union, but its scope was limited pessimism:

! to three subjects-foreign af What struck me most pain-fairs, defence and communica- fully was that there Was no

tions. In doing so, they declared relaxation of the communal

in flamboyant language The democratic decision to feud, even when, for a moment, hold the Peace Conferences in both sides seemed to have ac- public, and to have all issues de- cepted the settlement. The Mus- termined by vote, now appeats as, lim League went on abubing violence as a doubtful experiment. Its ad- Congress with a vantage has been in the revela-shocking as it was ridiculous. If their ultimate aim was still ab tion to the world whence come tlie the Viceroy had succeeded in solute separation. On its side major obstacles to a quick settle Botting an Interim Government Congress, however reluctantly, Government it can get together. lines to raise the

have did accept the Mission's plan together, would it ever ment; its disadvantage in the worked as a team? This was for the grouping of provinces gave the within the Union. Not much of prolongation of discussions that so obvious that it

He made it Oil promise no end. Had there been a radical Left Wing of Congress this was left after Nehru's un-

common basis between the greater their most plausible reason for lucky statement. Powers before the Conference as rejecting the whole scheme. The clear that in the Assembly Con- sembled the futility of the recent Viceroy they argued, would gress would do its utmost to

have been still be the arbiter between the prevent the formation proceedings would

two main Indian partics, and two Muslim groups, B and C. avoided, but the conflict of views Independence would be an 11- He then went on to say that the

group, Hindu provinces, which was never resolved. Between the lusion. This Socialist

controls, would refuse Soviet plan for the future reor which looks forward to a bitter greas ganisation of Europe and that and violent struggle, was de outright to form their group. which appealed to Great Britain, cisively defeated when Congress A. In other words, "Hindustan" France and the United States met in full session, but it has would never come into existence. there could be nothing but con- had its influence, noan the

the On

more moderate flict. Nobody who has watched 1985,

Gandhi, at the closely the proceedings in Paris leaders. Even will pretend that the Big Four end, confessed that his Inner meetings now arranged can bring Light was dim; and he gave complete agreement, but they no advice, either for acceptance.

or rejection. should serve to reduce differences, allay distrust and give the larger Conference more intelligent direc- tion than it has had. Without that, peace would become a reced- ing dream. From its start the work of the Conference has been hampered by the lack of close con- tact between the principal Foreign Ministers. Mr. Bevin has now endeavoured

to get them

once

of the

Con

The Crux This is really the crux of the matter. Like all progressivo of Con- Indians, the leaders greas are beat on building up

tan

a strong Centre, which take charge of economic plan- One Achievement ning as well as external affairs. In this turbid atmosphore In this fleld the Centre, as the there is

on Mission sketched it, would b one achievement

It could net touch which

we may congratulate impotent. ourselves: The Constituent As- economic planning: it could customo, tariffs. sembly has beep elected. Chosen not manage by the provincial legislatures currency or credit; it could not under proportional representa- oven deal on an All-India foot- even a ing with such an emergency n9 tion, it is a fair, and

But it is distinguished, reflection of In-the present famine.

over this economic dian opinion. The Europeans, precisely

Muslims have been and will toy todasid pans, ander the fun of the Settlement that dition to the chief purty leaders. many non-party experts in var- be unyielding. They low their lous walks of life were chosen. own backwardness; they dread Unhappily the Sikhs, now the the power of most embittered of all the min- Business; they talk of lindu orities, withdrew their candida capitalists much as the Nazis tes and will not be represented. talked about the Jews. They menn, therefore, to do their own Save, for that flaw, here is a body well atted to exercise economic planning and they rely on tariffa to further their own sovereignty and to work out the shape of the Indian Union of to-morrow.

more round a table and out of the dangerous light of publicity. Plainly the success of his move will depend upon the extent to which the Soviet Minister will give his cooperation. Agreement,

the basis cannot be reached on that only one political system is possible for Europe, or that na- tions with different ideologies can not pursue their lives in harmony. Peace can rest on no such founda-

But before thia Constituent tion. If peace is genuinely sought Assembly could meet, the Mua- there must be general abandon-lim League has darkened its ment of power politics and a res- prospect by threatening to boy toration of the mutual confidence cott it. This is a more serious preparations that was so fruitiful in war. A threat than its

for "direct action" Muslims world anxious to get back to some

are capable of a formidable and approach to normal life has seen

if they aggressive solidarity, with grave misgiving the paraly seriously believe that Islam is sis of the proceedings in Paris,

In danger. But do they yet be lieve that netsense? The social composition of the upper ranks of the League is not suited to revolutionary action. Wealthy landowners and lawyers, many of them decorated with British into immediate operation, titles, do not face prison gladly. but such of them as must wait Rioting there may be, but or- upon financial or other considera-ganised resistance on a big scale- tions are an earnest of good in will not come in a hurry, To tentions. Recently Lord Mont-belittle Mr. Jinnah's influence gomery outlined plans for im- for such reasons would, how- proving the amenities of the sol- ever, be foolish. His real power dier's lot. So far as differing lies in bla ability to boycott the conditions allow, the principle of Constituent Assembly. If it equality between all the Services were to sit with only a handful

of Nationalist Muslims is now being recognised. The new its benches. the Constitu

code benefits all alike. A tion

would it drafted special welcome can be given to bind the Muslim masses and the provision of grants to officer could have no finality. With this cadets under the Special Entry weapon in his hand, Mr. Jinnah system, which provides some 40 will use all his formidable gifts per cent. of regular naval officers, as

NAVY REFORMS Not all the changes in naval life announced by the Admiralty can

come

pay

cligible

on

not

tactician 'to extort from It widens the field of choice, and Congress, or from the British should ensure

that o

Government, ajaettlement near- man will be barred from the or to his ambitions. That, in- deed, in a relatively optimistic quarter-deck by lack of means, forecast. My own

is One of the greater hardships of whether he wants a settlement naval life, which may involve at all: he may reckon that after long periods on foreign stations, some years of struggle and con- has been separation from all fami-

ly ties. In future, officers and

doubt

fubfon the Muslims will be

stronger than they are today.

petty officers will be allowed free Main Difficulty

passages and removal expenses for

Where does the main difficulty

their families wherever accom-je? Everyone has grasped the modation is available. This may two obstacles to the formation well be for some time rather a Pa

concession in principle than in

fact, since the housing problem hasing importance of education." to be solved. Similarly, "the de- Other minor changed, that are cision that the Navy shall have foresliadowed and are alread married quarters at home waits operation should tend to on the posibility.of providing the life in the Nawy more artr buildingy that will be required. They have the human, touch, In up-grading naval schoolmay sweep away some." / ters to full commisioned rank the restrictions, that Admiralty recognises the grow.com

own

coinage. On its spiritual side, by all means let it fester. Isla mic culture, subject only to a rule of toleration and equal ty to Congress; let it form the civil rights for all. More could representative Interim be done on Tennessee Valley economic most

and deal as best it can with the standards of the Muslim popu- boycott of the Constituent Aslation of the North-West, han sembly by the Muslims and by any of the devices prompted We are bound by Mr. by communal rivalry. For the Attlee's declaration: nc minori- | North-Eastern Group (C) Sikhs.

impressive much less can be urged and, ty, not even this

be formed, Muslim minority, can be allow if it should ever ed to obstruct India's road to Assam, a maluly Hindu pro- freedom. That is the

vince, will certainly break it up by opting out of it.

Pakistan

first

principle that should guide us.

But it would be folly to sup- pose that the normal rules of democracy can work in this situation, without a generous disposition to compromise. The Hindu-Muslim feud was large ly created by Tory policy; but it is now a hard fact, cement- ed by Mr. Jinnah's appeal to The lesser of his "Two Nations” will not bow fanaticism,

Within rea- to majority rule. Bonable limits there must be conciliation.

Dogged By Past

way

In some such way Congress over the may be able to win League to a measure of col- laboration. If it were to offer its positive help in building up a Pakistan group in the North- West, would Mr. Jinnah in his turn enlarge the functions of the Indian Union? At the least. it ought to have customs under its charge as well as defence, foreign policy and communica- ' tions. But it would be pedan- tic at this stage to dwell on details. No constitution will work in India and no enduring constitution can be devised, ung

It was difficult for Congress to make concessions so long as It was being pressed by British Ministers and the Viceroy to

lean the leaders of Congress can do so. It went a long under their persuasion, but all transform the atmosphere of the negotiations were dogged today and win the trust of the by memories of the past, when Muslims. They might, for dividing. Throw the whole presidency of the Constituent the British conqueror ruled by example, offer Mr. Junah te responsibility unreservedly on Assembly. This ageing man is Congress itself, and it may rise ambitious. If he really desires Hindu Big to the height of this great a settlement, could he win for than argument. It bolleves that the himself a greater place Muslims are its brothers, link- this, in history? A crown ed to it by the tics of rationa- glory will go to the architect lity. Its main task must be, of India's peace. then,

ends. Congress, confronting this impasse, might have con- tented itself with a second-best. With "Hindustan" the "group A" provinces) under ite away, it could have done its own economic planning over an brea that comprises two-thirds of the Peninsula. This prospect it nasejected: indeed, it was The view of hardly discussed. the leaders was that at Indian Union with three or even four

be incapable

of foci would healthy life.

The result of the rejection of the "Hindustan" dea is that Congress is now tent on en- of the larging the functions

CARNIVAL

to win their confidence and awaken in them also sense of India's unity. It will have to keep order and do it. If need be, with Indian troops. It would incur a fatal moral discredit if it used. arms to establish its authority. It cannot rely on coercion; it must conciliate and strive to in this embittered awaken minority some response to its own generosity.

the

British

Dim View Of

U.S.--Russian Relations

In some form it will have

Now York Sept. 6. to concede

substanco of Officers and men, veterans of Pakistan. This 'idea was repug- the American Third Infantry nant

which to it because it came Division

fought from Berchtesgaden, draped in a reactionary com- mercial ideology. But there is much to be said for a group ing of certain provinces on a

By Dick Turner

CITY WILD LIFE SANCTUARY DUCK DIVISION.

on their

Morocco to pressed grave concern arrival in New York today from Bremerhaven Over the current American-Russian relation in Gor-

many.

Lieutenant John D. Krebs de- clared that relations with Russia "were so bad that a 14th Regl mental combat team was formed, put through training and was ready to strike for Yugoslavia.

Lieut. Krebe did not claborate on his statement but declared that the Russians were supporting the black market in Germany and that thousands of Germans from the Russian zone were trying to on- ter the American zone-Associat- ed Press.

Macao Celebrates VJ Day

Macao, Sept. 4. The Chinese Community horu suitably celebrated V-Day,, The whole city appeared REY with flage. Through the main streets acrobatic lion dancers entertained Dissors by and a meeting at the Apollo Theatre, sponsored by the drew hundreds local

included those of Mr. Lee Ping the ogretary for the

Kue Tro locai

Degrate for the

Youth Corm Beclamasion: venue for countle

Speccher

Specia

Our Own Correctiondent