(EDITORIAL) Americans we knew, were fond of coffee, but it is strange news that they have developed a weakness for annexing coffee-houses. At any rate, in Calcutta, the Requisitioning Board has cast covetous eyes on the Esplanade Coffee-House which had long ago become an attractive catering place for the civilians of Calcutta, but the khaki-clad visitors would swarm into the coffee-house for light refreshments. The demand that the spot should be instantly vacated for Yankee-occupation seems to have caused much excitement in Calcutta; for we notice all the prominent journals in the city have protested against the demand made by the military authorities which is regarded as both wanton and high-handed especially when it is a fact that the Board has alternative propositions offered for accommodation. Surely, there must be some reason given for wiping out a landmark and a favourite resort of the civilians when the billeted army claims space. …

We insist on the principle that when adequate space is found next door for the convenience of troops, their officers should be ousted from their places of domicile. …[C]asting covetous eyes as on Naboth’s vineyard is not good practice on the part of our wartime guests. (Dawn, Delhi)

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2014