Evening star., 1943-02-22
BY DEWITT MACKENZIE.


There are 500 orthodox ways of
committing suicide, and then there
is the 501st method. which is for the
outsider to project himself into the
violent controversy growing out OF
the Indian nationalist demand for
purna swara absolute independ-
ence from England.
Intrusion in family quarrels is at
best dangerous experiment, and
the British Indian imbroglio is the
most volcanic of our time. In un-
dertaklng to expose the skeleton in
the closet. therefore, I am proceed
ms with the full knowledge that I
am likely to incur the displeasure
and cenSure of both my British and
my Indian friends.
When I left home on the 35 .000-
mile aerial swing. which was to in
clude India, I had no intention of
writing in detail on this situation.
Having made an exhaustive study
on the ground, however, I'm forced
to the conclusion that I should be
derelict if I didn't render a full
report
OF Vital Importance to Allies.
This conclusion is based on the
knowledge that the great British
Indian problem has ceased to be a
family affair. 1t has developed into
a matter Of vital Importance to the
cause Of the United Nations.
We can go further without eXag-
geratlon and say that it represents
one of the major crises confronting
the Allies. And to my mind, it is in
such state its solution is a matter
of great urgency.
This. OF course, means it has be-
come interviewer with the destiny
OF our own country. That's intended
literally and not merely as a fine
figure of speech. Americas destiny
isn't to be dealt with in light phrases.
therefore. you are entitled to know
the truth. So I shall try to present
all the salient facts of what is one
OF the most complicated contro-
Versles IN history. My sole purpose
is to do something constructive.
Right here I want to pay tribute
to the kindly aid given me by both
SIDES during my research. I criss-
crossed the mighty reaches of India,
talking with British officials here
and with the great Indian leaders
there. Nowhere did I encounter
anything but fine cooperation.
Talked With Viceroy.
One memorable conversation had
was with the Viceroy, Lord Linlith-
gov, who is one of Britain's out
standing personalities. I gave nv
bond no word of his should be
quoted. However, I can say that he
was most helpful
l will admit now that I hurled
nationalist anti-British charges at
hlm until by good rights he should
have called the guard and had me
thrown out. Yet he continued to
answer me after his blunt fashion.
and when the time of nv audience
was UP he voluntarily extended 4,
20 minutes despite the fact that
his council was waiting for him to
appear.
Then when I had concluded nv
study in India, I walked into the
office of the censor at New Delhi
and laid down perhaps 10000 words
OF notes and printed material on
which / intended to base these
articles. I asked that this be CEN
Sored and sealed so that might
take 1t home with me.
Believe me, there were some notes
there which would make any CEN
SorS hair curl. and yet the only
thing deleted was two sentences.
and this was done after the censor
had asked my permission. An off,
cal who had seen my notes did
invite me to his Office and there
very diffidently remarked in effect
That he supposed I realized how
much dynamite I was carving
about with me, I laughed.
Sure l do" I replied. I've been
at this business for over 30 wears
However. since you seem a bit un-