ATTACK ON INDIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1942, Page 4

ATTACK ON INDIA

NOW THOUGHT UNLIKELY

BY WAR EXPERTS IN NEW DELHI

AUSTRALIA MORE PROBABLE OBJECTIVE.

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 24.

“War experts in New Delhi believe that Japan is more likely to push on to Australia than to attack India,” says the New York “Herald-Tribune's” correspondent, Sonia Tomara. It is obvious, the correspondent adds, that no campaign against India could be carried out without large forces by sea around Singapore, and so far there is no such movement. The correspondent interviewed General Sir A.. Wavell, who, spoke calmly and confidently of the general Allied situation. The Maharaja Rena of Dhelpur, in an interview with a “New York Times” correspondent in India, said he believed a monarch was divinely chosen and the Indian people recognised such a relationship. Therefore, if Britain wanted to settle the Indian question within a few months, the King should take direct command, make his own appointments and take a personal interest in India. Indians would understand that, and the various factions would soon compose their differences. He added: "There is no feeling' for democracy in India, but there is a complete understanding and desire for a personal ruler. Religion is the core of Indian life.” TROOPS & POLICE ACTION DURING DISORDERS. DEFENDED IN ASSEMBLY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, Noon.) RUGBY, September 24. A resolution demanding an inquiry into alleged excesses by the military and police during the recent disturbances in India was moved by Mi’ K. C. Ncogy in the Central Assembly today, says a New Delhi message. The resolution suggested a committee of inquiry of the House, with a majority of non-official members.

Sir Sultan Ahmed, the Law Member, replying in the debate, said: “From reports received it appears that the police and military have done remarkably well in most trying and perilous conditions. In some instances force may have been used and innocent persons may have suffered. If such instances are authenticated the attention of the Army Department and the Police Department should be drawn to them and those guilty of such excesses should be punished, but a general inquiry would affect the morale of the services concerned.