EYES ON INDIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 21, 25 February 1942, Page 4

EYES ON INDIA

THE Japanese thrust through Burma,, is backed by an energy and resource, which makes it patent to the observer that the invaders have a definite line of campaign, arising out of the conquest of that country. The Burma Road, is but part of the plan of attack, for there are other and less difficult routes through which this vital supply line could; be cut without undertaking the cumbersome and expensive Burmese campaign. The objective appears to become plainer as the Japanese advance continues; India with its teeming millions, its many sections, castes and creeds; India with its wealth of raw materials and its inexhaustible man-power available for their development, is undoubtedly the goal of the new forces of aggression in Asia. Three hundred million people would appear an impassable barrier to a meagre Japanese expeditionary force, but it must be. remembered that the country is actually an Empire within itself, torn by endless political and religious factions and divided by as many loyalties. India, could never under any circumstances be expected to show a united front to any invader, white, yellow or black. History shows all too clearly the comparative ease with which a determined invader with an army of a few thousand has reduced whole'lndian provinces of teeming millions. Alexander the Great acQomplshed this feat with the remnants of a travel-worn Greek army, the Mogul Emperors did the same. Later Robert Clive subjugated the entire country with an army never exceeding 15,000.white troops. With these instances in mind it will be seen that the task of the Japanese army fighting its way through Burma, is not the hopeless proposition people may be inclined to think. On the other-hand India has never been garrisioned by white troops before to contend, with invaders, and the results of the present fighting will make an interesting comparison for students of national psychology.