Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1942-08-13

of ill-win against Britain, and grow
ing satisfaction at the success of Jap
anese arms This, unless checked,
will inevitably lead to passive ac-
ceptance of aggression" The people
of India are not pro-Japanese. For
years they have denounced Japan's
aggression against China. But the
unfortunate truth is that the tide of
anti-British feeling has recently been
running high. Anti-Japanese feeling
in India is the by-product of pro-
Chinese sympathy, but anti-British
feeling is basic. This situation can
easily play into the hands of the
japanese. 1t was to counteract this
that Gandhi seized this moment to
arouse his followers to the hope that
he would in his own way wrest their
freedom from Britain. And he is at
the same time exhorting them firmly
to resist the japanese.
The Japanese are maneuvering a
puppet government for India in con-
nivance with certain eXiled Indian
revolutionaries who recently met in
Assam and were assured of backing
by all the Axis partners. In the face of
prevailing apathy in India, this dra-
matte move could easily capture the
Imagination of many. This would
mean chaos in which many would
look for guidance and leadership out
side of India. Gandhi had to do
something equally dramatic to count
eract this japanese move, and to hold
his followers back from these SEEM
ingly alluring bids. This he has done
in his latest move by revitalizing the
fight for independence. India and
the cause of the United Nations in
India are infinitely safer in Gandhi's
hands than they would be in other
hands So Gandhi and his immense
following are convinced.
What will be the effect of this
move? That Gandhi is anxious to
avoid a showdown is obvious by
his putting off the civil disobedience
a month, and even longer if neces-
sary. That India will resist japanese
aggression with all available means,
material and moral, after Gandhi's
move as she would have done before
is equally obvious. But that Gandhi's
civil disobedience will in no way jeo-
pardize the war effort, as Gandhi
hopes it will not, is difficult to i'm
agine. If he does not act, the apathe-
tic masses might prove an easy prey
for Japan, and if he acts, he may
hinder India's war effort. There are
perils in both courses. He and his
colleagues have chosen the one they
deem less perilous.
If Britain resorts to violent repres-
sion, it will inevitably ignite the al
ready explosive situation. Whether
Gandhi makes good his threat i'm
mediately or not, it is true that the
hearts of the masses of India are
not yet in this war. They can yet
be reused, but only by setting up a
Provisional National Government
now-not later. Constitutional de-
tails can be, and will have to be,
settled at the end of the. war, but
this government can begin to func-
ton in fact as a real National Gov
eminent now, and the Viceroy can
begin to function from now on as
a Governor General does in a domin-
ion. The military control of India
for psychological reasons should be
under joint board, consisting of an
American, an Englishman, Rus
sian, a Chinese and an Indian, with
a Commander-in-Chief of its own
choice.
America has great stake in India.
She can no longer afford to con-
slider India as Britain's exclusive
concern. The war in Asia will never
be won without the enthusiastic CO.
operation of the Asiatics. It. will
never be won unless those in power
realize that freedom is a weapon,
not a reward for good behavior
India's freedom will be worthless if
the Axis wins, but she has yet to be
convinced that it is secure and guar
anteed if the United Nations win.
What Hitler and the Japanese
stand for is utterly repugnant to the
inner spirit of the land of Buddha
and Gandhi. But India must feel
the glow of freedom herself before
she can play her part for freedom
of the world. India in bondage"
says the Congress resolution, "can
play no effective part in defending
herself and in affecting the fortunes
of war that are desolating humanity"
China is advocating immediate in
dependence for India. America, by
equal daring and imagination, can
still help save the present crucial
situation.