(EDITORIAL) An article published in the Times of India lays stress on the importance of hearty cooperation in the defence of India against the Japanese menace. We wish Lord Wavell who is rightly resentful of what he calls the “barbarous ambitions” of the Japanese would pay deeper attention to the psychology of the people rather than the implications of geography. The article quotes General Lindsell’s remark that “India is doing very well but she can do better”. [T]he conversation of India into the fourth main base of operations in the war renders it necessary to mobilise men, means and morale in greater measure in order to ensure that she does better. General Lindsell [added] “Yes, she can, provided she, like the other members of the United Nations, is given control of her own affairs and invited to contribute of her free will to the common cause”. The question of free will does not seem to be sufficiently lucid in the mind of Lord Wavell, who almost believes in victory by pre-destination. Such at least is the impression given by the opening of his mental hand-bag. The attitude of “victory with the voluntary assistance of India if possible, but victory all the same without it if necessary” is disastrous in the difference it makes in the sacrifice of human lives and material resources. — Dawn Delhi

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2019