Sus,—China's attack on India, a peaceful democracy and a member
of the Commonwealth, a countr3, en- gaged in a determined struggle to make a better life for its millions of citizens through freedom and in- dependence, is a challenge to all of us.
The Indian frontier, which the rest of the world has long recognised, has been crossed without warn- ing or even the breaking off of diplomatic relations. Thousands of lives have already been lost. The Chinese attack was mounted from Tibet, whose con- quest by the Chinese was an unconscionable act of imperialism.
The Indians are fighting their own battle. They have not asked their fellow democracies or their fel- low members of the Commonwealth for soldiers or for free arms. Nevertheless, India's fight is the fight of every one of us who wants to sec freedom, demo- cracy, the rule of law, prevail in Asia. What can we do to help? We have heard appeals from distin- guished Indians for 'understanding and solidarity' against a 'cynical invader who has taken advantage of India's friendship and trust only to prepare to turn its expansionist designs against her. • .
As individuals we can doubtless help by contribut- ing to the United India Defence Fund, or some other fund. We can urge on our Government and the Governments of the West to supply arms on lend lease, and to increase the aid they give for India's Plans, now that India's own resources have so largely to be devoted to war. Above all, we must try to give additional heart and courage to our Indian friends whose spirit in the crisis is sound and steadfast. On the survival and success of India depends the hope for a better life of one-fifth of the human race. We cannot let the Chinese aggressors destroy this hope.
E. M. FORSTER OLAF CAROE BARBARA WARD GUY W INT
United India Defence Fund, 1/2 Langhant Place, WI
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