INDIAN CONGRESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20076, 24 October 1939, Page 6

INDIAN CONGRESS

VICEROY’S STATEMENT CRITICISM VOICED BRITISH AIM IN WAR

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Prims Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 24, 1.40 p.m.) NEW DELHI, Oct. 23. "In the circumstances the congress cannot, possibly give support to Britain for, it would amount to endorsement of the Imperialist policy which the congress has always sought to end,” declared a vitally-important resolution of the Indian. Congress working committee denouncing Lord Linlithgow's statement. This is reported in a message from Wardha. A statement accompanying the resolution further declares: “The congress profoundly regrets that the j Indian situation has not been rightly, understood by the British Government j when authorising the statement made on ils behalf. The Viceroy's statement is wholly unsatisfactory and calculated to arouse resentment among all anxious U> gain and who intend to gain India's independence. "The demand for a declaration of he war aims was made not only on behalf of the people of India, but of millions of people throughout the world who arc weary of war and the violence of the Fascist Imperial systems which have exploited the nations and ultimately caused war. It was made on behalf of all who yearn for a new order of peace and freedom, j

‘‘lmperialist Policy” “The Viceroy's statement'is an uu- i equivocal reiteration of the old Im- j perialist policy. The committee j regards the mention of differences j between several parties as a screen i ‘o hide the true intentions of Britain. What the committee asked was a declaration of the war aims as a test of Britain’s bonafides regarding India, irrespective of the attitude of (he opposing parties and groups. "The congress has always stood for implicit guarantee of the rights of the minorities. The freedom which the congress demands is not freedom for he congress or any particular group, but for the nation as a whole. The only way to establish this freedom to ascertain the will of the nation is through a democratic process. The committee must, therefore, regard the Viceroy’s statement os most unfortunate.'’ The resolution declares that the first step in the refusal to support Britain, will be an instruction to the congress Ministries to resign. The committee calls all the congress committees and congressmen to be prepared for all developments and eventualities and to show restraint so that nothing may be said or done which is inconsistent with India's honour or the principles for which the congress stands. The committee warns congressmen against hasty action in the shape of civil disobedience. political strikes, etc.