LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
AFRICANS IN INDIA
SIR,—The presence of a large West African Expeditionary Force in India and the part played by West African troops in the operations in Burma is not unkrlown to people in Britain. But few of your readers, other than those directly concerned with Colonial problems, will have had occasion to consider what the effects will be upon the future development of West Africa of the ideas and impressions formed by African soldiers during their stay in India. There is hardly a class or tribe in the four colonies of British West Africa which is not represented amongst these native troops who, though fdr the most part unlettered, have unique gifts of observation and perception. They have been quick to form opinions which they will take back to West Africa and which, one ventures to think, will have a widespread influence there.
After spending three and a half years in Nigeria I came to India last November with a contingent of these black troops, and was straight- way profoundly shocked by the contrast between the cheerful and comparatively healthy way of life which I had observed in the towns and villages of Nigeria and the poverty and degradation which now confronted me in India. From the comments of the African soldiers with me it was evident that they too had been quick to remark the contrasting conditions, and they sought in vain for proof that "India be fine country pass all" as they had so often been told before they embarked. They have since become accustomed to the sight of the filth and refuse which litters the streets of Indian towns, but they still comment somewhat caustically upon the sanitary habits of the townsfolk. Wherever they go they are accosted by beggars with their inevitable cry of "baksheesh," many of whom are young children, apparently uncared for, and this shocks the' African who is genuinely fond of children. Nor can he readily understand the Indian attitude to women. In West' Africa womenfolk are accorded a considerable degree of per- sonal freedom, and moreover by means of the petty trading which they are accustomed to undertake often achieve a measure of financial inde- pendence of their husbands. A great many Africans are devout Moham- medans, yet the system of " purdah " and the curious devices to which the Indian Muslim resorts in order to conceal the features of his women- folk tend to cause disrespectful amusement.
More important from the point of view of the African soldier's own morale is his view of the Indian war effort. He is not unaware of the fact that very large numbers of Indian troops are likewise fighting overseas, far removed from their homes and villages. He has had an opportunity to assess the fighting qualities of the Indian battalions along- side which he has fought in Burma. The experience of common dangers and encounters shared has taught him readily to acknowledge their valour and ability. But there is little to encourage him in the attitude of the immense civilian population towards the war against japan. In Bengal, which of India's large centres of population has been most seriously endangered by Japanese thrusts, the African soldier discerns complete indifference on the part of the inhabitants towards the war - effort, except in so far as it provides them with opportunities of financial gain. His natural reaction is to believe that he is fighting to protect those who neither desire nor deserve his aid.
There is another aspect of the problem, namely India's attitude to the West African. To begin with it was compounded of ignorance and fear. By many Europeans and Indians alike he was regarded as a primitive savage who might be tempted to run amok at the least provoca- tion; for this reason his freedom of movement outside camp or barracks was more seriously curtailed than was that of other troops. Ignorance of his behaviour, diet and habits generally led to frequent inconsistencies. It was not uncommon during the first few months after the arrival of the force in India to find African soldiers occupying the same wards in hospital as British troops and enjoying the same food. On the other hand, the C.O. of one military hospital, on being informed that he was to admit a number of African sick, enquired whether they normally ate their meat raw. But gradually the West African has made a place for himself. His cheerfulness and his ability to express himself in English, albeit somewhat quaintly, has gained for him the respect of British troops, many of whom show a marked willingness to fraternise with him. European civilians also shared this approval of the African. Two British officers of the West African Expeditionary Force who were spend- ing their leave with friends in Bombay, returned to the house one after- noon and discovered their hostess dispensing tea and biscuits in the lounge to their "boys" (African servants) who had accompanied them on leave. This indulgence on thz part of Europeans, however admirable it may be, is somewhat disconcerting to the African who in his own country accepts the line drawn between black and white pithout any sense of injustice or frustration. It is true that the clerk class on the coast and in the larger towns of West Africa has rapidly assimilated Western
dress and ideas, but elsewhere the natives cling to their traditional modes of living even though they employ and benefit from the mechanical con- trivances introduced by the white man.
Of immense importance in so far as the future development of the West African colonies is concerned is the acquisition by these native troops of a new pride of race, a consciousness which is almost akin in essence to a sense of nationality. As members of the first West African Expeditionary Force to serve overseas they have achieved an esprit de corps which overrides the old tribal distinctions. That this has been possible is largely due to the absence of any great language difficulty. English, the teaching of which has been made compulsory to all West African soldiers since the outbreak of war, has supplemented and to some extent superseded Hausa, the lingua franca of the vast hinterland of West Africa whence formerly the great majority of our native troops were recruited. Together English and Hausa furnish the linguistic bonds uniting these African soldiers.
The Colonial Governments, one may be sure, are already devising plans for the re-absorption of native troops into the economic life of West Africa. Some will seek merely to return to their villages to till their farms and tend their herds. But there are many who have become worldly wise as a result of their experiences overseas. In India they have seen that besides the great numbers of individuals belonging to the depressed castes and classes whose standards of living are visibly inferior to their own, there are nevertheless innumerable men of colour who have attained positions of trust and responsibility. Taking the Army as an example, they have observed hundreds of Indian commissioned officers who live on terms of equality with their British colleagues ; they know of only one West African commissioned, officer. This must inevitably encourage them to desire similar opportunities and Wider educational facilities which will enable them to realise these ambitions. Allied to this is their changing attitude to Europeans. It is a safe generalisation that formerly they came into contact with only three types: officials, traders and mis- .sionaries. Now they realise that there are much greater differences of upbringing, education and status amongst white people than they were previously aware of. In ,phis respect, as in so many others, they have a new sense of values which will make them less ready to accept without demur the opinions and decisions of Europeans.• Much careful and sympathetic direction by our colonial administrators will be required in order that these various new tendencies may be utilised for the welfare and advancement of those territories in West Africa of which our nation is the trustee.—I am, Sir, yours, etc., ERIC BROADBENT.
Capt., Royal West African Frontier Force.
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