PUNJAB REBELLION

Southland Times, Issue 18835, 31 May 1920, Page 5

PUNJAB REBELLION

HUNTER COMMISSION'S REPORT. FURTHER CRITICISM; (United Service.) (By Telegraph.—Press, Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and NiZ. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 27. General Sir O’Moore Creagh, formerly Commander-in Chief of the Indian Army, commenting on the Hunter Committee's Amritsar report, said that it would further alienate India, which was seething with sedition and Bolshevism. Every rascal would consider himself justified in assassination. The committee was formed of estimable gentlemen, but they did not know India. If General Dyer committed a breach of military law he should have court-martialled. General Creagh is convinced that the shooting was essential. The committee’s contention that General Dyer should have read the Riot Act was ridiculous. In what language would he have read it? Was the brigade commander to summon a professor and have the law translated? There were hundreds of religions in India all advocating vengeance. Forgiveness was next to non existent. No doubt rebels would be told that the British were afraid to shoot them. People in England were unaware of the goings on in India, but they would soon learn. The authorities who were infoimed ought to be left alone. Conciliation was out of the question and drastic action was essential.