Indian Aims To Prevent World Friction Explained

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 15

Indian Aims To Prevent World Friction Explained

Many persons would criticise India for her stand in political issues which had involved most of the world; the United States. Britain and her Dominions would do so, but the Indian aim was to assist the bringing together of different nations to avoid international friction, said the High Commissioner for India (Mr P. A. JWenon) in an interview in Christchurch yesterday.

‘We have no affiliation with any one political or religious group,” he said. “We have criticised Britain for her stand in the Suez, but this does not mean that we must be aligned with Russian views an this matter. t “It is the same with trade. We are not affected by emotions. We have no historical ties of racial or political antagonism. Any ties we have with Iron Curtain countries will be involved in trade. Those who trade cannot afford to have hearts—within certain limits, anyway.” said Mr Menon. Suggested Ties

The international press had done much to suggest growing ties among Iron Curtain countries and India, but these suggestions were more concrete in the eyes of newspapers than they were in actuality, he said. “If Russia sells arms to Egypt, that is news. If Britain sells arms to the United States, that is not news. And so it is with any trading we do with Russia. We have no intention of committing ourselves to anything more than a simple trade agreement.”

If Russia had “wooed” India he was sure that the Government would be careful not to be ensnared into any proposition which would involve India politically. “India is the next largest country to China in Asia. We feel we have an important part to play in the history of world diplomacy, and we would prefer to remain impartial mediators I

can appreciate British reaction to our attitude over the Suez crisis —it is a position which,can become very emotional and is understandable. But we do not take sides on these matters,” said Mr Menon. Indian Communists

There could be no fear of Communist infiltration in India, he said. Although the Communistbacked party in the recent Indian elections had gained two seats in a total representation of 500, its power in India was too small to be seriously considered. “The Russian Embassy in India has distributed certain pamphlets and the Communist claim they are not being assisted by any outside group—l emphasise claim —but no-one has taken the matter seriously.” he said. More British persons were in India now (excluding the time when the British Army was there) than ever before. Mr Menon said.

Mr Menon is in Christchurch for two days. This evening he will address the Christchurch branch of the United Nations Association.