Letters to the Editor
[In view of the length of many of the letters which we receive, we would remind correspondents that we often cannot give space for long letters and that short ones are generally read with more attention. The length which we consider most suitable is about that of one of our paragraphs on "News of the Week."—Ed. SPECTATOR.]
INDIA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Your contributor, Mr. V. J. Patel, is about as exasperat- ing as Mr. Winston Churchill. He ignores the fifty-seven Indian delegates who did such good work at the Round Table Conference last winter ; and speaks of Mr. Gandhi and his approaching visit to London as if he alone had authority to speak for India.
Further, he calls upon the Labour Government to ignore all other parties and to prepare a Constitution embodying the full demands of the Indian National Congress. Such a demand goes on the assumption that the Congress represents the whole Indian nation ! It does not even represent the bulk of the Hindus, while the 59 millions of Muslims and the 44i millions of Untouchables are definitely ranged against it.
The Muslims are steadfastly resolved to have separate elec- torates. If they don't get that, they would prefer that Britain should retain control at the centre !
As for the Depressed Classes, Dr. Ambedkar, speaking at the R.T.C. in January, used these words :
" Any announcement that might be made on behalf of H.M. Government regarding the introduction of responsibility in the Centre as well as in the Provinces should make it clear that any advance in that direction must be on conditions and subject to an agreement between the communities which would provide effective safeguards for the rights and interests of the Depressed Classes."
The caste Hindus amount to 118 millions in British India. But the 59 millions of Muslims and the 441 millions of Untouch- ables, along with the other minorities (even when we exclude Burma) amount to almost exactly the same figure.
The crucial problem, namely a communal settlement, still
remains unsolved. If India does not achieve Dominion Status and the right to rule her own house, the fault will not be at the door of Great Britain. The fact is that the minority communi- ties do not trust the Hindus. The Depressed Classes are afraid of them. Dr. Ambedkar told the Prime Minister that the Depressed Classes would regard it as the greatest betrayal on the part of H.M.'s Government if it were to leave them at the mercy of those who have taken no interest in their welfare, and whose prosperity and greatness was founded on their ruin and
degradation.—I am, Sir, &c., J. M. MACFIE. Bowden, Newtown St. Boswells.
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