SINISTER CAMPAIGN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1942, Page 3

SINISTER CAMPAIGN

SABOTAGE IN INDIA

SIGNS OF PLANNED ATTACK ON COMMUNICATIONS. IN AREAS OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) NEW DELHI, September 15. Sir Reginald Maxwell, Home Member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council, addressing the Legislative Assembly, said: “What is not generally known or appreciated is the extreme damage caused during the recent disturbances and the extreme seriousness at one time of the position practically throughout Bihar and in the'eastern part of the United Provinces.

1 “The trouble in these areas soon spread from the big towns to outlying areas, and thousands of rioters gave themselves up to an orgy of destruction of communications and other Government property. Whole districts, with small defending forces of Government officials, were isolated for days. Mobs perpetrated brutal atrocities and there were many deeds of heroism. “A large part of the railway was putout of action in this area, and for a considerable period Bengal was almost cut off from. North India. Attacks against municipal and private property included the destruction of a tuberculosis clinic and a Roman Catholic Church. “It is significant that the attacks against communications started simultaneously in widely separated places, and that the saboteurs had technical knowledge is also significant.

“These facts are inconsistent with the theory that the disturbances were spontaneous outbursts arising from the arrests of the Congress Party leaders. The sabotage areas were also militarily significant. Disturbances occurred mainly in areas of strategic importance, and the sabotage carried out was principally against communications which are essential for the defence of the country in the event of a Japanese attack.

“It is .also sigificant that there was little or no sabotage of industrial plant. This supplies evidence of previous organisation, having most sinister motives. We were fortunate on this occasion in being free to give attention to the movement when there was little fear of enemy attacks, with which the movement might have planned to synchronise, but we might not be so fortunate another time. Such an outbreak would be a direct invitation for a Japanese attack against India.” The Member for Labour, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, said that certain important industrial undertakings, including a big steel works, had closed for certain periods in the past five weeks as a result of strikes. QUIET IN BOMBAY BUT ARRESTS CONTINUING. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) BOMBAY, September 15. The situation throughout Bombay is officially described as quiet, though arrests are continuing. Thirty were arrested during prayers ,in the street for Gandhi’s secretary, Dr Mesai, who recently died in prison. The police gave permission for prayers in the streets, but intervened when the crowd began shouting Congress slogans. The authorities continue to be disturbed over demonstrations in rural areas. One was killed and several wounded in the Satara district, when police fired on a mob of 1000, all armed with spears and axes. Fourteen police were injured by stones. The Government of Madras has imposed collective fines totalling £17,625 on 19 villages and towns in the province. TIME OF DANGER END OF RAINS IN BENGAL & ASSAM. MEETING OF PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL. NEW YORK, September 15. The Scripps-Howard columnist, Mr Simms, said: “Today the big rains end in Bengal and Assam, and the period of India's peril begins. British policy in India, therefore, will soon be put to the test. “For weeks Japanese troops have been on the move, though 'whither bound is not altogether clear, but the odds are in favour of India as their principal objective.” A Washington message says that at today’s meeting of the Pacific War Council, the whole war outlook was discussed with India in the forefront because of its bearing on the Pacific situation.

Mr Walter Nash expressed the opinion that the problem of India’s relationship with England should be solved. As he saw it, Britain had made an honest offer, telling the Indians, “You form a government and we will drop ours when yours is formed. It is absurd to say you shall not have a government meanwhile, but there is one qualification. For the duration of the war we want to use India to defend the United Nations’ interests.”

Mr Nash said that was reasonable, and would provide India with the same status as the other Dominions, with complete sovereignty. Mr Nash reported nothing new regarding Siberia, but said he personally thought Japan would attack immediately she thought she could succeed.