E-Book - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi – His Life & TimesYou are right,' Gandhi said at last. 'No, Britain and America and other countriestoo can keep their armies here and use Indian Territory as a base for militaryoperations. I do not wish Japan to win the war. But I am sure that Britaincannot win unless the Indian people become free. Britain is weaker and Britainis morally indefensible while she rules India. I do not wish to humiliateEngland.''But if India is to be used as a military base by the democracies, many otherthings are involved. Armies do not exist in a vacuum. For instance, the westernallies would need good organization on the railroads.''Oh', he exclaimed, 'they could operate the railroads. They would need order inthe ports where they received their supplies. They could not have riots inBombay and Calcutta these matters would require co-operation and commoneffort''Could the terms of this collaboration be set forth in a treaty of alliance?''Yes', he agreed, 'we could have a written agreement...''Why have you not said this?' I asked. 'I must confess that when I heard of yourproposed civil disobedience movement I was prejudiced against it. I believethat it would impede the prosecution of the war. I think the war has to befought and won. I see complete darkness for the world if the Axis wins. I thinkwe have a chance for a better world if we win.'There I cannot quite agree,' he argued. 'Britain often cloaks herself in the clothof hypocrisy, promising what she later does not deliver. But I accept theproposition that there is a better chance if the democracies win.''It depends on the kind of peace we make,' I said.'It depends on what you do during the war,' he corrected.'I am not interested in future promises. I am not interested in independenceafter the war. I want independence now. That will help England win the war.'www.mkgandhi.org Page 426