The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-08-12
The iNoIA PREDIcAMeNT

" lth the bloody llOtlng through
out India and new violence IN Bonn
bay. indicating the determination
% the people OF India 70 gain their
independence at All costs. the Unit
cd States is confronted With a prob
lem almost as serious as that Of
Great Britain.
Tle Indians themselves are not
quite sure whether their position
will be improved by an alliance with
Japan and the Axis powers, but
they are pretty Well united with
Mohsndss Gandhi on the proposition
that British domination must cease.
II may he a case OF jumping from
the frying pan into the fire, but
with mob psychology prevailing the
Indians seem prepared 10 make the
plunge
From our long.distance angle. We
cannot help specializing on the pru-
dence OF Great Britain's manage
ment OF lniian affairs. In way OF
comparison we think Of our rela-
tions with the Philippines. We
guaranteed the Philippines their IN
dependence in 1874. When the Jap
anese struck. the Filipinos were still
under American control. but there
was no revolution or rioting. The
people we're loyal. and presented
united front as long as munitions
and supplies held out The situa-
tlon might have been similar in
India II Great Britain had been able
TO develop a favorable mental atti-
tude. To force a united front on
the part OF people feeling as the
Indians now feel is a questionable
undertaking.
The British argument, o. course,
has been that India In Itself is so
sharply divided between Moslems
and hindus that self government
would merely invite civil war. There
is no doubt some justification for
that argument. On the other hand,
there is basis for the contention
OF the people Of India that they
should no longer be subjected 10
foreign domination
Their leader is one OF the strong
est In the world in point OF follow
ing The word OF Mohandas Gandhi
probably carries more weight with
his people than the word OF any
other one man. His followers be-
lieve in what he advises, In con-
trast with the followers OF Euro
pean leaders who gain their support
largely through force.
The question now arises as TO
whether the United States will ex-
ercise any influence in shaping
opinion in India 10 favor Great
Britain.
India is appealing to the United
States for a practical demonstra-
ton Of our democratic principles
The people there find It difficult TO
understand how we can be fighting
war for democracy and at tie
same time ask them 70 continue
under foreign domination.
There Is probably little question
but that diplomatic efforts will be
made 10 modify the stand Of Great
Britain and there may be heated
arguments behind the scenes, but
our general policy will undoubtedly
continue Shole-heartedly in sup
port OF Great Britain. even though
we may feel that mistakes have
been made In negotiations with
India
This may be the last time that
Gandhi is imprisoned He has
served SO many sentences that a
prison almost seems like home to
him. but this time he may decide
upon a hunger strike that will be
his last. No man has ever been
more sincere than he. and when he
says he may give his life 70 inspire
the people OF India 10 offer theirs,
II necessary. for their freedom, he
IS not joking He is asking for pas
sive resistance. He does not favor
violence. II he starts a hunger
strike It will be protest against
violence. Results. therefore. rest
largely In the hands Of his own peo-
pie.