Evening star., 1942-07-26
By A. +, STEELE.

Foreign Correspondent OF The Star and
Chicago Daily News.
NEW DELHI, July 25.-Frustra-
ton and desperation growing out of
the breakdown in Sir Stafford
Grips negotiations are the pre-
vailing moods among the leader
ship of the Indian National Con-
gress. Ther are responsible for the
increasing demands of Mchandas K.
Gandhi and his associates for free
dom now and are leading the coun-
try to the brink Of anarchy. whole
sale arrests and threat to the very
existence OF the Congress itself.
Public opinion of the whole demo-
cratic world has come down on
Gandhi and his projected civil dis
obedience movement like a ton OF
bricks because of the peril 1t con-
tains for the cause of the United
Nations. But whatever may be the
justice of this viewpoint, dress
yourself for a moment In a brown
skin and loin cloth and have look
at the Indian situation through the
thick lenses of Gandhis gold
trimmed spectacles.
First, remember that Gandhi and
his right-hand man. Pandjt Java
harlal Nehru, have dedicated their
entire lives to the cause of Indian
independence.
Second, do not overlook the fact
that Gandhi, who has far greater
rallying power than any other In
dian leader, Is nearing the close Of
his mortal span. He has a natural
desire to throw his remaining re-
sources into one last great effort
and perhaps even live to see the
realization of his fondest dreams.
Jap Imperialism Not Realized.
Third, remember that the Indian
people did not ask for this war, do
not fully realize what Jap imperial
ism means and see no reason why
they should cooperate In the war
effort until they can be absolutely
sure they are not fighting for the
British but for a free India.
Fourth, while the world at large
and certain individuals Indians re-
gard the Cripps proposals as notably
generous, 1ndia's most powerful
political body, the Indian National
Congress. takes quite a contrary view
and believes that the British must
offer more than the best Cripps was
able to offer before the people of
India can be rallied to the Allied
cause.
1t Is amazing to what extent bit
terneSs has grown, especially in the
Congress ranks. since the Cripps
visit. When Sir Stafford came to
India a japanese invasion seemed
imminent. 1t was moment of
extreme urgency. Yet the British
were not willing to accept compro-
mise proposals of the Congress for
temporary wartime government in
which the Indians would have real
and final authority in almost every
thing except actual conduct of mill
tary operations The Indians were
also annoyed at British plans for
ultimate dominion status but were
willing to table consideration of
that problem until the end of the
war.
Gandhi's Congress is frustrated
and desperate because the British
in their moment of extremity would
not yield the minimum" demands
OF the Congress and because, in any
case, the British plan for ultimate
Indian freedom opened the door for
withdrawal of individual provinces
and states and for the Moslem
Leagues "pakistan" - principles
which fatty opposed the Congress
ideal of a united India. The atti-
tude Of Congress leaders seems to
be: If Britain in her present diff
culties is unwilling to give us, or
promise us, what we want now, what
hope is there the British will be more
reasonable after the war? We must
force quick decisive showdown
now, whatever the peril There will
never be another opportunity like
the present"
Might Accept New Proposals.
In the above paragraphs the writer
has outlined the Congress view for
the sole purpose OF showing why its
frustrated leaders, though basically
anti-Fascist, have reached the con-
clusion that despite the risks Of the
civil disobedience movement, 1t is
worth try. There are many think.