Letters on India

Of all books written about present-day India and its role in the fight against fascism. Letters on India (in spite of its 150 odd pages) must be placed in the top rank. Writing in reply to questions from an English worker, the author, Mulk Raj Anand, treats all the more important aspects of Indian political and social life—the Peasants, Trade Unions, the Congress Party, the War Effort, etc. Mulk Raj Anand is a socialist member of the Indian Congress Party and is well known for his other books. Coolie, Untouchable, etc.

Unlike many reviews on India, no "problem" of India is presented. This "complex problem" bolls down, in the author's words, to precisely this: "We must see that the Atlantic Charter is applied to India and that steps are taken to bring the peoples of India under the leadership of the Indian National Congress (representing united anti-fascist India) into a world alliance against fascism."

Anand emphasises that only the free Eastern peoples—the Chinese and the Filipinos—have proved to be of any value in resisting Japanese aggression and that only free Indians will be capable of defending their country against the advancing invaders.

We are not given a mere criticism and condemnation of British rule but a clear analysis of the existing situation with a plan showing how the people of India can be rallied more vigorously behind the War Effort in alliance with the United Nations.

The book concludes with an appeal to the people of the United Nations: "See to it that everything is done to achieve this simple basic programme. Only thus can victory be assured!"

—P.J.