NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE mutiny of R.I.N. ratings in Bombay and Karachi, and the rioting by which they were accompanied, are symptomatic of the mounting tension in India. Mutiny and riot, however, are futile reactions to a situation which will demand the highest qualities of statesmanship from Indians and Englishmen alike. India, on the eve of the Cabinet Mission which will make one more effort to solve the problem of India's transition to complete independence, is threatened with a famine in comparison with which all political problems are of secondary importance ; it will require the co-opera- tion of all interests in India if the danger is to be averted. Unfortu- nately, the situation has developed into one of intensifying political passion against a background of mass-starvation ; there are some signs, however, that even the Indian political leaders are beginning to be aware of the dangers of any appeal to violence under these con- ditions. The only encouraging feature of the mutinies has been the restraining influence exercised by Indian leaders such as Mr. Jinnah and Mr. Vallabhai Patel, whose appeals to the mutineers to sur- render undoubtedly had considerable influence in restoring order ; and Mr. Gandhi has been as severe as General Auchinleck in con- demning the mutiny. It is encouraging also that the Viceroy, in his recent meetings with Mr. Jinnah, Mr. Gandhi, Dr. Azad and others, has been able to secure agreement from the major political parties that the food problem shall not be made a controversial issue and that they will co-operate with the Government in restraining the public disorder and violence which it may provoke. Is it too much to hope that through co-operation to avert the disaster of mass-starvation the Government and the Indian parties may even now achieve a degree of mutual understanding which will enable them to solve together the political problems of Indian independence?
