WAR
Except in the large cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, the people of this province appear to take very little interest in the day to day course of the war. War Publicity Committees have been formed in all the districts and are doing what they can to stimulate interest and to promote investment in Defense Loans, etc. The District Officers and the Special Officer for Rural Reconstruction, who tours throughout the Province, carry out propaganda and address meetings for the same purpose. Collections for war funds have exceeded Rs 75000 in districts of Larkana and Thar Parkar while the collections in other districts also show improvement. The further progress of collections will depend upon the out-turn of the cotton crop which is the chief money product of the Barrage area, and the prices thereof. There have been no anti-war activities during the fortnight under report except a few speeches delivered in the meetings of the Satyagraha Committees in which the usual view was expressed that India has no interest in this war and could not fight for the freedom of other countries, being itself in shackles Frequent practices and meetings of the Air Raid Precaution wardens are held in Karachi, and A.R.P. schemes are under preparation for sukkur, Rohri and Kotri The Civic Guard movement is making little progress save in the city of Karachi. Mr. David William Hardy Scott-Moncrieff was arrested on arrival from Habbaniyah by flying boat “”Clifton” at the instance of the Director, Intelligence Bureau, Dehli, and the case has been reported to the Government of India for orders.
[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1940, 5th December 1940.]
There was no marked reaction to the war news during the fortnight.
[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1940, 4th January 1941.]
There is a general feeling that the war is taking a course more favorable to the Allies, but it cannot be said that interest in the news is particularly marked. The news from North Africa has tended to act as a soporific.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1941, 8th February 1941.]
The Italian reverses in North Africa continue to excite much interest and there is a feeling that Italy is about finished. In fact there is a tendency to forget that the real danger is Germany.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of February 1941, 18th February 1941.]
The action taken in Syria has been welcomed while outbreak of war between Germany and Russia has been received by a general expression of relief, the reason for which it is not easy to understand. It is clear that the public as a whole do not appreciate the possible implications of the attack on Russia, but this is perhaps not to be wondered at. The immediate reaction appears to be spread of an impression that India has been freed from any immediate danger and this is unfortunate in so far as it intensifies the general feeling that India is still far from the war area and that active assistance to the war effort is therefore less urgent. The protestation against the inadequacy of the provincial preparations for air attacks and other defense measures have in great measures ceased. The A.R.P. preparation in Karachi have recently been inspected by the Government of India A.R.P. Officer and have been declared to be much below requirements and in part faulty in organization. As the province so far has received no expert advice in the matter, this is not altogether surprising.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 5th July 1941.]
Very Considerable interest is being displayed in connection with the struggle which taking place in Russia and increased attention is being paid to the radio news from Berlin, the reception of which however is not very good. The local Socialists and Communities are now taking the line that the attack on Russia makes it necessary for them to support the war. Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., the local labor leader, who claims Soviet Russia as his ‘Spiritual home’, convened a meeting which was attended by about two hundred persons, mostly laborers. The meeting passed resolutions condemning the German invasion of Russia, appealing to the Congress to direct its energies to assist Soviet Russia, requesting Government to releases and remove restrictions from all communist leader in order to enable them to work for the destruction of Hitlerism and asking Government to permit the sending of volunteers and money of Russia. Mr. N.A. Bechar and Mr. Abdul Kadir, President of the Sind Provincial Hari Committee, have issued instructions to “Haris” (cultivators) and laborers throughout the province to hold meetings and to condemn the invasion of Russia. Propaganda is also being carried on amongst the laborers, who have been asked to contribute one day’s wages for a war fund for soviet Russia and also to assist in recruitment for the war.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, the second half of July 1941 19th July, 1941.]
The general attitude to the war remains much the same. There is still considerable interest in the progress of events in Russia, but it is recognized that the situation there is very grave. There is general condemnation of the part Japan is seeking to play. District Congress Committees have received instructions that all Congress members in the Municipalities, Local body concerned votes any money for the War Purposes Fund and a proposal put forward in the Karachi Municipal Corporation that the Corporation should contributes Rs. 5000 to the War Fund was declared out of order by the Mayor mostly through the influence of the Congress members who would have been called upon to resign if the resolution had been carried. The Municipal Corporation is prepared to call upon both the Government of India and the Government of Sind to undertake heavy expenditure to protect the people of Karachi from air raids, but it is no prepared to do much else.
The freezing of Japanese assets in America and England is taken to portend the declaration of war between Japan and these countries. This has led to the apprehension that these countries. This has led to the apprehension that there will be a serious shortage of cloth. Consequently there is a great rush on the local cloth shops in Karachi and Hyderabad with a natural rise in prices. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of July 1941, 5th August, 1941.]
Interest in the war news has become somewhat more marked and there is much sympathy for Russia and much admiration for the way in which the German attack has so far been withstood. The drive in the Ukraine has, however, raised some apprehension and there is considerable speculation whether Russia will be able to preserve her front in that region and whether Germany will be in a position to threaten India through Iran. The approach of the Karachi War Fete and Sind War week which is proposed to be celebrated in the beginning of September has received interest in the districts and at a meeting of the District War Committee held at Nawabshah in order to give publicity to the weak, the District Magistrate addressed the audience on the general war situation with the result that considerable subscription were promised. In Mirpurkhas also Rs. 5000 were collected at a recent meeting of the District War Committee. The “V” Campaign has been taken up in right earnest in Karachi where the symbol is to be seen on telegraph poles, on the gates of houses and cars. Some prominent citizens in Karachi have embossed the letter on their note paper and letter stamped with “V” are seen everywhere. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 20th August, 1941.]
The apprehension in regard to the course of the war in Russia, which I mentioned in my last report, is now more marked and there is a widespread belief that Russia is nearing collapse. Japan is being closely watched and there is considerable speculation as to her future policy. As for Iran, the recent Muslim League resolution does not seem to have had much effect on the Muslims in Sind. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of October 1941, 7th NovemPber, 1941.]
There is still some uneasiness regarding the position in Iran, but the main feeling is one of satisfaction that a settlement is likely to be reached. The struggle in Russia is being very closely followed and, although it is realized that the situation there is extremely serious, it is hoped that Russia will be able to hold out without the further loss of any great strategic centers until the winter when weather conditions may bring the German advance to a standstill.
The Sind War week and Karachi War Fete ended on September the 14th and can only be described as a great success. In most districts well attended meetings were held at which speeches and addresses on war subjects were made and responses to appeals for funds were generously met, particularly in the Nawabshah District where some Rs. 60,000 were collected and in Jacobabad District which contributed approximately Rs. 40000. The fete in Karachi, which was opened by His Excellency the Governor on the 6th September by a speech in which the people of Sind were exhorted to shed their complacency and to redouble their efforts to assist the war effort to do all in their power to bring war to a successful conclusion went with a very considerable swing. The fete included Naval, Military and Air Force displays and proved a great attraction, very large numbers of people attending throughout the week while on the closing day about 25000 persons paid for admission. No doubt many attended by reason of the attractions provided by the Amusement Park, etc, but nonetheless, the Army and Air Force exhibits received very great attention and the displays must have had excellent propaganda effect. A.R.P. demonstrations were given and the Civic Guards were very usefully employed throughout the week. The week will be followed by a number of sporting events, also staged in support of war funds, and it is hoped that the total gross receipts will be in the neighborhood of Rs. 2 ½ lakhs. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1941, 22nd September, 1941.]
The war continues to be the main topic of interest and the progress of events in Russia and Iran has been very keenly watched. The Hindu section of the population of the province appeared on the whole to welcome the timely action taken by the British and Russian forces in Iran and to consider that it was essential both for Britain and India to eradicate the Nazi influence in Iran. Muslims, on the other hand, showed some concern at the entry into Iran, but this feeling has given place to one of relief that the outbreak of serious and prolonged hostilities has been avoided.
The Karachi War Fete and Sind War Week, which commences on the 6th instant, is promising well at it is hoped that in spite of petrol rationing, it will add a lakh to the War Funds. Meanwhile, the total of His Excellency’s War Purpose Fund stands at just over Rs. 3 lakhs. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1941, 6th September, 1941.]
Events in Crete and Iraq have awakened interest in the war and the position in Iraq particularly has led to much speculation and also some nervousness regarding the possible liability of Karachi to air raids. If this leads to further recruitment to the A.R.P. Services, good will result. A certain number of residents of Karachi, mostly from cutch and Gujrat, have left the city for their homes. A Defense Committees has been formed with the Mayor as Chairman. It has sent in scheme costing Rs. 12 lakhs for the protection of certain vital services in the city and for digging subsoil water wells for fire fighting. The scheme is under the consideration of Government.
The arrival of evacuees from Iraq also created interest. The first two batches have particularly all been disposed of evacuees of European extraction being sent to Satara in the Bombay Presidency while those of Indian extraction were quickly sent to their homes. The third batch, which consists of the Baghdadi wives and children of British Indian subjects working in Iraq, present a problem of considerable difficulty as they seem to have no connections in India. They are being accommodated in the Pilgrims Camp here for the present. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1941, 14th June, 1941.]
The news of the recapture of Benghazi, Derna, Bardia and Sollm by the enemy has caused some anxiety among the public and there is a feeling of nervousness abroad regarding events in the Balkans and in Greece. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1941, 21st April, 1941.]
Events in Iraq have aroused great interest and the general feeling is that war has come much closer to India. This feeling however has not led to any tangible effort to help with the war by subscript to war funds on investments in defense loans. Etc. A number of European evacuees from Iraq have arrived in Karachi and such of them as have not been able to fend for themselves have been accommodated at the British Military Hospital pending disposal to camps elsewhere in India. About two hundred Indian evacuees mostly women and children also arrived on the 15th night and have been housed temporarily in the Pilgrims’ Camp. They were nearly all deck passengers and come from different parts of India. Arrangements are being made to send them to their respective homes. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1941, 19th May, 1941.]
The progress made by Japan since her entry into the war is being closely watched and it is realized that very dangerous position exists in the Pacific. There is, however, fear that Japan will not eventually be defeated. The achievements of Russian Armies have had a very heartening effect and although it is difficult to form a close estimate of the position in Russia, it is generally held that the German plans have gone far astray. In Libya the capture of Benghazi and Bardia have been acclaimed.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of December 1941, 6th January, 1942.]
The continued successes of the Russian Armies with their great significance are at present completely overshadowed by events in the Far East and the course of the struggle with Japan is causing considerable perturbation; the threat to Burma and Singapore being regarded as of the utmost gravity. Attacks on India in the comparatively near future are thought to be by no means improbable. But with all this and in spite of the air raids on Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma, there is little enthusiasm for A.R.P and no increase In the number of volunteers for such work. The issue of a press note by Government recommending the carrying of identify discs by people in Karachi in order to facilitate the identification of possible causalities caused a certain amount of consternation. There has not, however, been any panic or sign voluntary evacuation from Karachi. Rommel’s latest flare up in Libya has caused disappointment as it had been hoped that he was more or less accounted for.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]
The Japanese successes in the East Indies have occupied the public mind to the almost complete exclusion of the rest of the war. The fall of Singapore was looked upon as inevitable and as portending grave danger to India and Burma and doubts as to the outcome of the operations in Burma have been expressed. Disappointment continued to be shown with the news from Libya. Events in Russia, although recorded in the usual cabled news, have not received much comment. The escape of the three German warships from Brest has also been regarded as a severe blow. But though there is much questioning, there have been no signs of any panic nor of any incarnation for the general public to enlist for the various forms of A.R.P. work.
Every effort is being made to induce further recruitment to the A.R.P. services and a number of meeting have been held one of which was a meeting of the City journalist on the 10th February at the A.R.P. School Karachi, in which an appeal was made by the secretary to Government, Civil Defense, to all editors to co-operate with the authorities in measures of Civil Defense and to do all they could to keep the morale of the people in case of an emergency. The Provincial Press Adviser took the opportunity of reminding the editors of Press Notice No. IX.
Mr. Holdsworth convened an informal meeting at Government House on the 13th in which the Mayor of Karachi, some prominent businessmen and representatives of the banks were present. There was a discussion on the measures to stimulate interest in the Defense Bonds and Postal Cash Certificates. The question of appointing a non-official Provincial Loans Committee is under consideration.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19th March, 1942.]
The fall of Singapore and the Japanese advance in Burma have had a very depressing effect throughout the Province, but more particularly perhaps in Karachi City. Many disturbing rumours were current some to the effect that Calcutta and Madras were being evacuated. Returned Sind work merchants from Singapore, etc., have been responsible for some of the worst of them. So far, however, there has been no great rush to leave Karachi and the District Magistrate reports that evacuation has not assumed very serious proportions. There has been some evacuation by boat to the Cutch area and by train but evacuation by train has not necessitated the putting on of extra trains or even extra coaches. But more people may leave when the annual school examinations terminate on the 6thMarch. The President of the Karachi City Muslim League and the President of Karachi District Congress Committee have jointly considered measures for civil defense and at the special meeting of the District Congress Committee on the 19th February a sub-committee was appointed to collaborate with other organizations in such measures. Little interest is expressed in the news from other theatres of the war.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]
The News of the fall of Rangoon was received much more calmly that that of the loss of Singapore. This was partly because it was generally held that Singapore was a far stronger position to defend than Rangoon but was also due to the fact that the news was received at about the same time as the announcement of the Visit of Sir Stafford Cripps to India was made. This announcement was very favorably received in all quarters and to some extent diverted attention from the position in Burma.
There are many more rumors current about events in Malaya and Singapore and there is a feeling that Indians in the Far East received less consideration generally than did Europeans. So far however, in spite of the uneasiness prevailing evacuation from Karachi has not reached any serious proportions although it has necessitated some strengthening of the existing train service of the North-Western Railway.
“China Day” was observed all over the province on the 7th March. There were meetings at all the district headquarters and in the town at which resolutions were passed praising the resistance offered by China against Japanese aggression and condemning the civil intentions of Japan towards India. Processions of school children were taken out with banners and flags were sold. Approximately Rs. 18000 have so far been collected towards the China Fund. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20th March, 1942.]
Newspaper and other comment on the war has been so subordinated to that dealing with the presence and activities in India of Sir Stafford Cripps that it is somewhat difficult to gauge local reactions for the fortnight. But anxiety is still being expressed regarding the trend of operations in Burma and there is a fear, more or less general, of invasions. The progress of the war in Russia, Libya, etc. is receiving somewhat scanty attention.
Greater interest is being taken in A.R.P matters and a Civic Defense Committee has been formed in Karachi, including representatives of the Congress, the Muslim League and other organizations. The Managing Committee consists of fifteen members. Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A., Mayor of Karachi, is the Chairman. The Committee has not yet defined its functions or program, but it will be allowed to organize volunteers so long as there is no attempt to run a parallel A.R.P. Organization.
The Figures of Saving Bank withdrawals in Sind show that in the recent months the rush was largest in the fourth week of Feburary when the net Savings Bank withdrawals amounted to Rs. 2,09,237 as compared to the withdrawals of Rs. 6,528 in the corresponding week in the year 1941. There has been gradual decrease in withdrawals since then, the figures for the first, second and third weeks of March being Rs 1,26,032, Rs. 1,52,927 and Rs. 1,06,881 respectively in the first week of March, increased to Rs. 1,43,790 in the second week and dropped to Rs. 97,000 in the third week. Discharges in the corresponding weeks in 1941 were Rs. 45,407, Rs. 45,635 and Rs. 57,301 respectively. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4th April, 1942.]
Local feeling is again somewhat difficult to sum up but although there is no sign of panic, there is no doubt that the general position in Burma and the apparent naval superiority of Japan in the Bay of Bengal as instanced by the attacks on Ceylon, Vizagaptam and Coconada and the losses suffered by our naval forces, have had a depressing affect and the fear of invasion looms large. But what expression there is mainly takes the form of regrets that the negotiations with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed to produce a settlement with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed produce a settlement which would have enabled India to put forward her maximum effort towards the prosecution of the war. Events elsewhere continue to excite comparatively little interest. Thirty-five thousand people left Karachi by rail during the period 1st to 14th April but without a detailed analysis of the figures of arrivals and departures, it is not possible to discuss the significance of this figure, there is most certainly no evidence of a general exodus from the city.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18th April, 1942.]
There is no marked change in the general attitude towards the war. The position in Burma is recognized to be exceedingly grave, if not hopeless, and there is much speculation as to the next move of the Japanese. Even so, however, many seem to be content to wait upon the Congress decision and there is little positive feeling one way or the other. Movement from Karachi has slowed down somewhat during the fortnight, but there is no doubt that a real scare might arise at any time and would lead to large scale evacuation of the city, especially of the Hindu element. As for A.R.P., the publicity campaign which was launched to stimulate recruitment has led to more interest being shown and the number of Wardens has increased to 720 as against 539 at the end of March last. The services as a whole are, however, still far below minimum strength.
The Karachi Civic Defense Committee met again on the 11th under the chairmanship of Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A. a local Muslim Leaguer. It decided to collect subscription to enable volunteers have so far had little or no results.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5th May, 1942.]
During the past fortnight our local troubles the Hurs in particular, have monopolized local attention and the safety of life and property in the mofussil is apparently a more burning topic than the war. Consequently the struggle in Burma, events in the Pacific and what may be the opening of Hitler’s spring offensive in Russia have caused little comment. The prompt action in Madagascar has received general approval but there is no question that fear of internal disturbance in more evident than fear of any other untoward happening. The Hindus in the richer towns are extremely nervous especially about their money but they are not prepared to invest it towards the furtherance of the war.
There was a combined display of tanks, aero planes, and anti-aircraft guns at Clifton on the 14th May 1942. It was witnessed by His Excellency the Governor and a large crowd of about thirty thousand people who seemed greatly impressed by the anti-aircraft firing and the bombing and machine gunning from the air of a dummy village. The aircraft employed included Flying Fortresses, Hurricanes, Mohawks, Lockheeds and Blenheims.
The Radical Democratic Party celebrated India Defence Week commencing on the 26th April. Street Propaganda was carried out and five meetings were held. The speakers stressed the need for fighting Facism and Nazism, supported the scorched earth policy, demanded arms from Government for the protection of the public in times of danger and exhorted the audience to raise volunteer corps in their respective localities. Movement from the city of Karachi has slowed down still further.
The Honorable Premier has completed his preliminary tour of the province in connection with the National War Front. He addressed representative gatherings in all headquarter towns and proposes to make a more extended tour later. Progress so far is encouraging.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20h May, 1942.]
The German drives in Russia and the resumption of the struggle in Libya have quickened interest in the war news and there is some expression of anxiety in respect of both these theatres of war. It is realized that the Russian Armies are facing a very critical situation and that the immediate result of the Libya battle is uncertain. China is thought also to be in considerable danger of being put out of the war. On the other hand it seems to be generally held that the threat to India from Japan has received and it is hoped that the result of the attack on Midway Island coupled with that of the Coral Island battle will be to postpone, if not preclude, any attempt at a sea-Berne invasion. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]
News of the war still continues to play second fiddle in Sind accounts of the exploits of the Hurs. What comment there is, however, indicates that while Russia is generally recognized to be holding out very stoutly, China is in a very difficult position, cut off as she is from the Allies. Criticism of the withdrawal from Burma has on the whole been moderate and hopes are expressed that the lessons learnt in the campaign will be taken advantage of it attacks on India develop.
Interest in civil defense is on the increase and political parties are making some show of being anxious to co-operate with Government but it is very doubtful whether any solid assistance will result. Recruitment to the warden service is proceeding at a more satisfactory pace and the number of wardens has now risen to 1,134 the total aimed at being 1,300. The exodus from Karachi has very largely stopped partly owing to the feeling of insecurity in the mofussil. Two camps have been constructed for housing essential workers and their families. Refugee camps on the road from Karachi to Tatta (58 miles) are under construction. Fifty-one thousand running feet of slit trenches have been dug in forty different parts of Karachi for the use of the public caught on the streets away from their homes. Blast walls have been built in large numbers and twenty-eight public shelters are ready and sites for twenty more have been selected. Equipment for emergency casualty hospitals is being purchased.
The radical Democratic Party has opened a permenant office and has been holding street propaganda meeting at which speakers have been exhorting the public to help Government in their war efforts. The Larkana District Hari Committee held a public meeting in which Japanese methods and intentions were exposed and the audience exhorted to work for the defense of India.
A war week was celebrated in Nawabshah from 18th to 25th May. Meeting were held in different parts of Nawabshah district. The collections during the week amounted to nearly Rs. 45000. A contribution to His Governor’s War Fund place a break of war had reached Rs. 14, 47,300 on the 15th May 1942.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6th June 1942.]
The fall of Tobruk and the withdrawal of the Allied forces in Libya have had a very depressing effect. Earlier reports had not prepared the public for the present reverses and they have aroused much misgiving. It had not been appreciated that General Rommel had been able to be reinforced to the extent he obviously must have been, both in men and material, and there is great disappointment at his success. The feeling of apprehension also extends to the struggle in Russia and taking thing all round the local view is that immediate prospect are gloomy.
Nihas Pasha’s declaration regarding the neutrality of Egypt has not had a very good effect. It is pointed out that in spite of the attack on Egyptian territory Egypt has not entered the war and it is stated that she is playing the part which the Congress advocates for India.
The newly formed Sind Provincial Defense Committee which is composed of the Mayor of Karachi, two M.L.As. belonging to the Muslim League and a number of prominent citizens with the Secretary, Civil Defense Department as joint Secretary, held its first public meeting on the 30th June las. The Honorable the Home Minister spoke and made and appeal for more volunteers for the A.R.P. services and the Civic Guards. From July onwards, part of the A.R.P. organization will be on a full time paid basis.
June 22nd was observed as “Russia Day”. There were well attended meetings at various headquarters towns in the province at which tributes were paid to the gallantry of the Russian and resolutions were passed emphasizing the unity of purpose which prevail among the Allied nations. At Karachi all the Labour and Students’ Union held a joint public meeting in which the speakers exhorted the audience to join the A.R.P and Civic Guards. At some places prayers were offered for the success of the Allies. The Assistant Provincial Organizer, National War Front, visited Hyderabad, Dadu and Larkana districts and convened propaganda meetings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]
The holding up of General Rommel’s advance into Egypt has had a reassuring effect on the whole the war news is realized to be exceedingly grave and the progress of the German Armies in Russia is being anxiously scratched. There are, however, no signs of panic and to some extent local opinion is more concerned with the latest political developments and the alleged shortcomings of price control than with anything else.
The Provincial Civic Defense Committee have held three public meetings in Karachi during the fortnight at which appeals for more A.R.P volunteers and Civic Guards were made and now propose to hold propaganda meetings throughout the city. Intensive training in all branches of A.R.P. is being carried on, but more recruiters are still needed. A.R.P. building works, in common with other works in Karachi, have been held up owing to the shortage of cement and unfortunately the recent rains have caused much damage to slit trenches, etc. So far, over two hundered women have registered themselves for service in the W.V.S. started by Lady Dow and being allotted various duties.
A publicity van has begun to function in Karachi on behald of the National War Front. The Van, which is fitted with radio and is accompanied by an announcer, does daily rounds in the mornings and evenings, stopping at important public places where the news is relayed and the announcer makes short speeches. The van has been attracting good crowds. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18thJuly, 1942.]
The move threatened by the Congress, the widespread floods in Upper Sind and the short comings of price control have been the Chief topics of local discussion during the fortnight and come on the war has been somewhat perfunctory. Such comment as has been made has been mainly devoted to the progress made by the German Armies in Russia and to the serious threat this progress constitution. There are, however, no signs of panic in Karachi and people in the mofussil have at present other things to think about.
As for the Congress, the resolution of the Working Committee and the statements issued by the Congressmen express themselves as welcoming the decision to launch a movement for India’s freedom. So far no outward demonstrations have occurred except the holding a small meeting in Karachi on the 17th July. The Muslims have exihibited no sympathy with the proposed movement. Non-Congress Hindus have generally supported the Congress demand but are not in favor of going so far as a nation-wide mass movement. Labor has not yet expressed any great interest one way or the other.There is some feeling that even if a movement is launched, Sind will again be excluded from it by reason of the fact that there are now only two districts completely outside the martial law area and also possibly by reason of the situation created by the floods.
These floods are extremely serious, probably the most serious which have ever occurred in Sind. Owing to the high level of the Indus, the ‘bunds’ breached and in spite of all efforts being made control the flood water, very extensive damage has been done. The main railway lines to Lahore and to Quetta were breached, many roads were cut, a large number of villages have been submerged it is estimated that 150,000 acres of cultivation have been lost. Fortunately, as far as it known, there has been no loss of life but there has been widespread damage to property. It has been possible to re-establish the main line to Lahore with effect from the night of the 31st July-1st August and communication with Quetta is still possible by the loop line from Larkana to Jacobabad. The latest reports, however, show that an improvement in the situation which had begun to show may not be maintained and a serious threat to the loop line appears to be developing. Energetic steps to control the flood are being taken. Ample funds have been placed at the disposal of the Collectors of Sukkur and Larkana and the Deputy Commisioner, Upper Sind Frontier District, the districts most affected, and everything possible to assists people who have been forced to evacuate their villages and homes is being done. A Flood Relief Fund will shortly be inaugurated. The political groups, the Congress, the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, have formed relief committees and it is reported that in Sukkur the Collector has succeeded in perusaing the committees formed there to coalesce into one non-political committee. How long the arrangement will hold and how it will work remains to be seen. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4th August, 1942.]
Political events in India have almost completely deflected with political cogitation and the arrest of the Congress leaders than with the course of the war in Russia or elsewhere. Reuters telegrams are published but there is little comment of importance on them. As far as the war is concerned the average person in this province seems to be lulling himself to sleep.
A.R.P measures progress but slowly. Structural precaution works are badly held up for lack of cement inspite or there being two cement factories in the province, The Dalmia factory is however, working very inefficiently and to a very low output. Two combined depots have been completed and will be occupied almost at once as the necessary Deputy Superintendents have been selected and are under training. Recruitment of paid personnel for the Report and Control Centre is complete. Equipment is now being received in fairly large quantities, but the factories which need trailer pumps are still without them. The Area Adviser is expected to visit Sind during September next and it is hoped that the Fire Expert with the Government of India will be able to come to Karachi at an early date.
Complaints regarding high prices and the alleged shortcomings of price control measures continue unabated, although the Press campaign has to some extent died down. Wheat is being sold below the controlled price but prices many foodstuffs, particularly vegetables, potatoes, etc., are extremely high.
Some boards of foodstuff have been detected. Where they have been of controlled commodities, they have been taken over at wholesale prices and sold in the Government shops. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18th August, 1942.]
The general attitude towards the war continue to be one of almost complete apathy. The progress of the Congress movement has been deemed to be far more interesting. There has been much condemnation of Government’s policy towards Congress and while some disapproval of the acts of violence and sabotage has been expressed, it has been on the whole mere lip service. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7th September, 1942.]
The third anniversary of the war was observed in the most district in the Province by the holding of meetings under the auspices of the National War Front and the offering of prayers on the 6th September, but there is very little real interest in the progress of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]
Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3rd October, 1942.]
The removal of Mr. Allahbakhsh from his office of premiere and speculation regarding the formation of a new Ministry have attracted more attention locally than news of the war. The heroic defense of Stalingrad and indeed the efforts of the Russian Army as a whole continue, however, to excite general admiration and this coupled with the somewhat apologetic strain of Hitler’s latest speech has led to a rise in Allied Stock. The remainder of the war news has not evoked much comment although some interest has been expressed in connection with events in the Solomon Islands.
Local leaders of the National War Front have held a number of well attended meetings in the Nawabshah and THar Parkar Districts and have also issued bulletins to counteract the mischievous propaganda contained in the unauthorized bulletins which are being circulated. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19th October, 1942.]
Apart from an occasional comment on the defense of Stalingard, the obscurity of the position in the Solomon islands area and the new offensive in Egypt, one hears little discussion of the war and there is no doubt that the average person in Sind considers himself as very little concerned with it. There seems to be a general feeling that all will be well in the end but that no-one knows when that will be. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4th November, 1942.]
The recent successes of the Eight Army and the landings in French North Africa have created much interest and hope is freely expressed that at last the tide is on the turn. With the Russians still holding out at Stalingrad, the German and Italian Armies in an extremely difficult position in North Africa and the Japanese being held in the Solomon Islands area, it is generally considered that Hitler must be beginning to realize the weight of the forces which will ultimately be brought against him. The danger is that a too-optimistic feeling will assert itself but nonetheless the recent news has been a good and much needed tonic.
The Assistant Provincial Organizer toured Karachi, Dadu, Hyderabad, and Thar Parkar districts, where meetings were held which were addressed by Leaders and Sub-Leaders. Full use was made of the Publicity Van in Karachi district and of lantern slides, showing war subjects in order districts.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18thNovember, 1942.]
A very lively interest continues to be taken in the war news and the magnificent achievements of the Russian Armies and events in Northern Africa have evoked much speculates as to future developments. Warnings have appeared that too much in the way of good news cannot be expected but there is no doubt that further successes are being hoped for. Considerable sympathy has been expressed for the French in their present difficulties. The struggle in the Pacific has not caused much comment, possibly owing to the time-lag in the appearance of news from that quarter. All round, feelings of confidence are beginning to reassert themselves.
Meetings were held under the auspices of the National War Front at the various places on November 22nd in which the significance of Allied successes in North Africa were explained and prayers were offered for the ultimate victory of the Allies. The Assistant Organizer, National War Front, toured Sukkur, Larkana and Dadu districts in company with the Honorable Minister, Education Department, and organized meeting in support of the Front. The Hyderabad Publicity Van, which is fitted up with 35mm. film projector apparatus, showed a number of Film Advisory Board films and proved a great attraction.
[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4th December, 1942.]
Recent events and the evidence of the continued pressure being exerted by the Allied Forces have created a strong feeling of confidence throughout the province and the view is now widely hold, although grudgingly in some quarters, that there is no question as to the ultimate outcome of the war. In fact, over confidence is now likely to be dangerous. But while this is so, domestic matters such as the scarcity and high prices of the ordinary necessities of life and the blatant profiteering going on are much more the concern of the ordinary individual than progress of the war. The man in street possibly because he does not give full credit for the many difficulties inherent in the problem of food and price control in a country such as India, is plainly of the opinion that the whole business of control has been made a complete mess of. He is being continually subjected to assurances that all is well but fact remains that he cannot get his supplies at what he considers to be a reasonable price.
The premiere the Honorable Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, has now assumed the leadership of the Front and has begun a tour in the Karachi District in order to give further stimulus to the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18thDecember, 1942.]
The feeling of confidence in the outcome of the war, reffered to in my last report, is now stronger than ever owing to the remarkable successes achieved by the Russian Armies and the progress of the war generally. That the end of the struggle with the Axis powers is now in sight as a view very often expressed. Apart from some query whether the Japanese air-raids on Calcutta have been fully reported, the raids themselves have not evoked a great deal of comment and such as has been made has been in no way objectionable. People are still far more concerned with soaring prices and the difficulty experienced in securing the common necessities of life than in either the war or the political situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6th January, 1943.]
