[For Favour of Publication]

Summary

This one-page press note records remarks by M. R. Masani, General Secretary of the Swatantra Party, at a public meeting organised by Indians for Victory in Bombay. Masani warns that resuming negotiations with the Chinese Communists after their assurances and treatment of the Chinese people would show that the Indian Government had learned nothing from past events and could invite another disaster. He compares such a policy to Britain accepting an armistice from Hitler immediately after Dunkirk, and criticises the gap between the Government’s thinking and public opinion.

Key points

• Masani opposes renewed negotiations with the Chinese Communists unless they first demonstrate a change in conduct.
• He argues that negotiations after a military defeat would be strategically and politically unacceptable.
• The note compares renewed negotiations with China to Britain accepting an armistice from Hitler after Dunkirk.
• Masani says there is a wide gulf between the Government’s thinking and public opinion.
• He proposes breaking diplomatic relations with aggressors and strengthening India’s armed forces.
• He calls for assistance from allies and friends in the democratic world.
• He links friendly relations with Pakistan to a solution of the Kashmir problem and to India’s ability to resist aggressors.