INDIAN DEADLOCK SIR,—" Z.'s " article in your issue of
August 18th is another appeal Is British intervention in order to end the deadlock between Indian politad parties. It differs from the usual one in that It does not come from an Indian politician eager to turn intervention to party advantage, but free one of our own people who seems to have such a low opinion of Inda as to believe she cannot walk but must be carried. Apparently, he believe India cannot ever take the initiative in setting her own affairs right and will always ignore or treat with contempt "men with Constructive minds who might be "her true leaders" were the necessary changed conditioa brought about by an outside agency. If such is the case, is there all hope whatever of India's political stature becoming such as to qualify la for the status of a Dominion or for independence? Status of any bid is hardly a thing that can be conferred. It must be achieved. Shall at help by intervening?
What has hindered India's progress is the passionate reaction of fruit elements to those Western influences which threaten the survival d mediaevalism in India. This reaction finds its expression in Mr. Gandkil who secured control of the Congress organisation in 5920 and has Oct persuaded it to follow his negative and purely destructive policy. Tbg failure to think and act constructively leads to that feeling of frustratice which arises from leaving undone that which is practicable and feasible and from striving instead for what is beyond the immediate reach. M for Mr. Jinnah, anyone who has followed his career with close attenfial must observe that he has been obliged to adapt his tactics to those Mr. Gandhi, his object being the preservation of the liberties Of 1/.11 people.
It is in such circumstances that "Z." calls upon us to give up thinking of the Indian problem "in the practical, matter-of-fact way." We not to use our brains but our hearts—a suggestion that, like much we hear from India, comes dangerously near the Hiderian formula "thinking with the blood." No. We must not follow that advice be misled by exaggerated statements that "the whole atmosphere of
is charged with emotion." Indians. have had a quarter of a centull Mr. Gandhi. They have "purchased their own experience." Let- give them a chance to make use of it by ourselves refraining from inter ference while always being ready to assist when invited so to
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