LONDON: Shocked at Mr Gandhi’s threat of war on Pakistan, Dr Shahriar, former Indonesian Premier told Dawn in an exclusive interview: “It is unbelievable. … Mr Gandhi refers to ‘Pakistan’s errors’. What errors, he does not say. It will surely increase the present chaotic condition in India and will encourage his people to more madness. It is nothing but madness. It will also complicate further Pandit Nehru’s peace efforts… .

“The statement has appeared in every British paper. It shows that it must have been issued officially by the Congress Government. … I wonder which other Asian leader will dare to be responsible for such madness.” — Dawn London office

[Meanwhile, it was also reported that] Some interesting facts are now available in regard to the real reasons behind the recent outbursts of the Maharaja of Nawanagar against Junagadh State’s decision to accede to the Pakistan Dominion. About a year ago, the Jam Saheb had evolved a scheme of a Kathiawar States Federation with himself as its leader. This scheme came very near to fruition but ultimately fell through … mainly because of the refusal of the Nawab of Junagadh to come under the “protective wing” of the Maharaja of Nawanagar.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2022