THE C.-in-C., General Sir Claude Auchinleck in a broadcast on Monday night [Feb 25] on the RIN [Royal Indian Navy] strike said that there would be no collective punishment, no vindictive action or indiscriminate retribution, but ringleaders and others would be individually tried and those found guilty would be punished. “To refrain from awarding punishment where such is due would put a premium on insubordination,” he said.

“Legitimate grievances can be and are being rectified continually and as quickly as possible,” he went on. But, he made it clear that some of the men’s wishes could not be met. “I am aware that politics have had something to do with recent regrettable happenings in the services,” General Auchinleck said. “In my position as C-in-C, I have nothing whatever to do with politics, and I will not countenance political intrigue in the armed forces in India. To do so would be a great disservice to India both now and for the future.”

[Meanwhile, it was reported from Calcutta that] Three representatives of the Ratings Strike Committee met Mr. Jinnah in the forenoon on Monday when they intimated him their decision to call of the strike forthwith… .

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2021