CIVIL WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1942, Page 4

CIVIL WAR

IN PROSPECT IN INDIA LITTLE CHANCE OF PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT. MOSLEMS HITTING OUT AT BOTH SIDES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, August 6. India appears to be heading towards civil war, says the British United Press New Delhi correspondent. Hindus, Moslems and British represent totally divergent views and there seems little chance of their coining to terms. All agree on some points —firstly, that Gandhi will be able to muster a large force of supporters; secondly, that nonviolence will get out of hand, with the result that violence is bound to break out between British and Congress supporters; thirdly, that violence will break out between Gandhi supporters and Moslems. Some members of Congress feel that mediation outside the party, preferably by the United States, probably would avert the civil disobedience campaign, or at least postpone its launching. British quarters do not think United States intervention is practicable. Meanwhile the Moslems are hitting out at both sides, attacking Gandhi's demands, which they represent as . a new form of “Hindu Raj” for India, and simultaneously demanding that Britain should allow them Pakistan (an independent Moslem State). The Moslem leaders are forecasting that communal riots will break out when the Moslems refuse full co-operation with Gandhi’s civil disobedience campaign. APPEAL FOR CONFERENCE EUT NO ONE TAKING INITIATIVE. CONGRESS PLANS NOT REVEALED (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON. August 6. There is strong support, from an influential section of the Indian Press, for an appeal by Sir Tej Sapru, the Liberal leader, for the calling of a last-minute conference, but so far there is no indication that anyone is going to make such an attempt. “The Times” New Delhi correspondent says Gandhi is reported to have offered to attend any conference called by Sir Tej Sapru. but the latter wants Gandhi to call the conference. It appears that neither wants the responsibility of calling the conference, which they expect to fail. Sir Tej Sapru now say’s it is the obvious duty of the Viceroy and his Indian Executive and councillors to take the initiative before they are called on to exercise the powers of the Government to deal with any situation arising from civil disobedience. The Congress Working Committee's plans for the execution of civil disobedience have not yet been revealed, but there are indications that it will follow the lines of the movement in 1920, when an attempt was made to bring to a standstill public offices and utilities, the Law Courts and industrial establishments.

In connection with Sir Sapru’s suggested conference, “The Times,” in a leading article, says the session of the All-India Committee will be a test of Indian and perhaps also of British statesmanship. Much, that has happened in recent weeks is frankly discouraging, but familiar forms sometimes disguise an altered content. It has been apparent for many months that the war has created a rift in Congress opinion. Many members of Congress, probably a majority, well understand that the road to freedom for India can be found only through the victory of the United Nations. They know that a policy designed to stab Britain in the back would profoundly discredit the party in countries where the Indian cause has found support. Another new factor is Sir Stafford Cripps’s declaration.