To His
Excellency the Marquees of Linlithgow
Viceroy and
Governor General of India
Your Excellency,
I wish Britain to win the war, and
India to cooperate in every possible way in this struggle against triumphant
Fascism. Although Indian resources are available for the purpose of war thanks
to the consideration of the material benefit of this or that section of the
people, yet unfortunately it is a fact that intelligent and voluntary popular
support has not been enlisted.…
The failure in this respect until now has been
very largely due to the fact that the leaders of those organisations do not
approach the problem of India’s participation in the war from the point of view
of the larger issues involved. They are mainly concerned with communal or
sectional or narrow, short-sighted, nationalist interests. Moreover, many of
them, either for hostility towards Britain or an ill- conceived nationalism or
reactionary social ideals and cultural outlook, or for other reasons and baser
motives, wish victory of Fascism.
I venture to address Your Excellency with the
object of suggesting an alternative approach to the problem of popularising India’s
participation in the war.
There are many broad-minded,
far-sighted and independent men, who occupy positions of honour and distinction
in the public life of the country, although they may not be counted among the
more vocal nationalist and communal leaders. Their cooperation could be more
easily secured for the merit of the fight against Fascism. They would cooperate
not in return for this or that concession, but out of conviction, believing
that the defence of freedom, democracy and progress, threatened by Fascism, is
a common cause of all who cherish those ideals. They would not be moved by the
consideration of communal interests or party prestige; nor haggle over the
number of seats.
....Before long, a situation will be
created, in which a new election to the Legislative Assemblies in the provinces
where the majority party has decided upon an obstructionist policy, can take
place on the issue of India’s participation in the war. The result of that
election can be expected to change the relation of forces, and consequently the
restoration of constitutional Governments of India in all the provinces will be
possible. The situation will be completely normalised, if the Central
Legislative will also be re-elected according to the Government of India Act of
1935...
In conclusion, I venture to points
out that, internationally, an alliance with the Soviet Union will guarantee
victory in the war against Fascism, His Majesty’s Government is not unmindful
of the consideration. There are difficulties on the way. But delay is
dangerous. My personal cooperation may be helpful in that respect. This my[sic]
offer of cooperation may be conveyed to the Home Government if Your Excellency
is pleased to do so.
I close with the fervent hope that these
suggestion will receive due consideration of Your Excellency.
[M.N. Roy]
Dehradun, September 26, 1940.
Roshanbag, Mohini Road.
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