British army, police officers want to stay

It has been dinned into the ears of Indian leaders that British personnel of the armed forces don't want to continue after August 15. Actually, when enquiries were made, it was discovered that 16 out of 19 Major-Generals have agreed to stay as "volunteers" and out of about 280, about 250 Brigadiers have also become "volunteers".

I-day gift: The government ordered the release of all political prisoners in the Delhi province. (August 9, 1947)

NEW DELHI, AUG 8: The States Department is receiving numerous telegrams from rulers of Indian States intimating that the Instrument of Accession had been signed and that the documents were in transit to Delhi.

The Government of India expects to receive by August 10 the Instrument of Accession deeds and the standstill agreement duly signed by the rulers, but in case of postal or other delay, telegraphic intimation by the rulers or their representatives must be received by the Government of India latest by August 14.

It is learnt that any State which does not signify its accession to the Indian Dominion by August 14 will be deemed to be a non-acceding State and any State which might accede at a later date will have to negotiate new terms.

It is pointed out that in regard to the non-acceding States, the Government of India is considering the question of renouncing the existing treaties and arrangements, as provided for in Clause 7 of the Indian Independence Act, 1947.

While the Hyderabad delegation is having discussions on the question of accession, four other States who have not yet made known their decisions are Indore, Bhopal, Dholpur and Maihar.

The Instrument of Accession and the standstill agreement have already been signed by many States, including Bikaner, Rampur, Kota, Mayurbhanj, Suket, Kishangarh and Bashar.

British military ploy

NEW DELHI: According to reliable reports, the Indian army would be dominated by British personnel at the top level for a considerable time if the present plans sponsored by British “high-ups’ at the Army Headquarters get approved by the Dominion Cabinet.

Slowly and subtly, firstly through alliance with League leaders and pro-League Muslim officers, and secondly by posing as pro-Indian, high British officers secured a statement from the Interim Cabinet members and the Partition Council that as a result of the division of the armed forces, nationalisation of the forces would have to be delayed.

It has been dinned into the ears of Indian leaders that British personnel of the armed forces don’t want to continue after August 15. Actually, when enquiries were made, it was discovered that 16 out of 19 Major-Generals have agreed to stay as “volunteers” and out of about 280, about 250 Brigadiers have also become “volunteers”.

Other top-ranking British officers also appear to have developed love for India and seem to prefer to stay on the existing terms of pay and allowances, thus making nationalisation a distant dream, particularly at the highest level.

Fortunately, these proposals are being sponsored by British Commanders and “high-ups” and have to be scrutinised by the Dominion Cabinet. The General Headquarters appear to have made a “strong and good case” for the retention of large members of high military officers, it is learnt.

Not only Indianisation but also having an economically efficient, national and patriotic army would be prejudiced if these plans go through, according to well-informed sources.

Muslim officers

RAWALPINDI: There appears to be a paucity of senior Muslim officers in the Punjab police force. To fill the gap, it is learnt from authoritative sources that about half a dozen European Superintendents of Police are being retained in Western Punjab and about an equal number of retired Muslim officers are being recalled for high posts. Amongst the first category are Mr R.G. Mellor, former Superintendent of Police, Rawalpindi; Mr Burdon, Superintendent of Police, Campbellpur; Mr Adam and Mr Allum. K.B. Raja Lal Khan, Mirza Mohd. Baqar, Syed Ahmed Shah and Raja Inayat Ullah belong to the second list.

It is also learnt that the strength of the CID establishment in Rawalpindi is being ‘considerably’ reduced. The present office is manned by one Deputy Superintendent of Police, three Inspectors, half a dozen Sub-Inspectors and about five dozen constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors.

Train attacked by mob

CALCUTTA: A report of mob rioting this morning inside the Ballygunge railway station premises in South Calcutta has been received, says the Public Relations Officer, Calcutta Railways. He adds that “there were some casualties but details have not yet been received. There was, however, no interference in normal train services.”

“Last evening, the 225 Up Budge Budge local was held up at Sealdah (South) outside the signal and attacked by a mob. It is reported that two passengers were kidnapped from the train and one was stabbed. The train finally arrived at Sealdah after some detention.” Both incidents took place on the Bengal-Assam railway route.

Release of prisoners

NEW DELHI: The Government of India has ordered the release of all political prisoners in the Delhi province on the occasion of Independence Day, it is learnt. Prisoners will be released on August 15 from the Delhi jail. It is further learnt that cases pending against political workers will also be withdrawn as a general amnesty granted on the eve of Independence of India. Prisoners include those who were convicted in connection with the 1942 movement and the Victory Day protest.