Mutiny in India! (1946)

21

The Indian Express (February 23, 1946)

BRITISH TROOPS IN ACTION IN BOMBAY
60 killed and 600 injured in repeated firing

Curfew imposed in fort area; widespread flareup in wake of Indian sailors’ mutiny

BOMBAY (Feb. 22) – BOMBAY WITNESSED TODAY, FOR TWELVE HOURS, A CEASELESS AND ONE OF THE FIERCEST MOB FURIES IN RECENT TIMES, LEADING TO REPEATED CLASHES BETWEEN POLICE AND MILITARY ARMED WITH RIFLES, MACHINE-GUNS AND ARMOURED CARS, ON THE ONE SIDE, AND FURIOUS MOBS ON THE CENTRE.

Police and military resorted to repeated firing at frequent intervals. The disturbance became more and more widespread as the day advanced and affected the entire city from Fort area to Dadar ad Mahim, a distance of ten miles. The result was that the city hospitals, numbering over half a dozen, were filled with casualties, killed and wounded, and doctors and nurses were literally overwhelmed with cases.

The latest unofficial casualty figures available are 60 killed, over 600 injured – of which about 400 are bullet cases.

A curfew has been imposed in the disturbed areas between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. with effect from tonight and will remain in force for 15 days.

“All quiet” was signalled from all outposts in the disturbed areas at 10 p.m. tonight, but a grave tension prevails all over the city and it is yet too early to say whether the “all quiet” signal of tonight will continue beyond the curfew hours.

Widespread arson, looting, burning, and road-blocking and mob attacks on police and military were witnessed from an early hour in the morning up till the curfew hour.

Nearly forty military lorries were burnt, a dozen post offices looted and burned, several banks attacked, looted and records destroyed, and 30 grain shops either looted or burnt. Wine, cloth, jewellery, provision and other shops were also looted.

According to a senior police official, the city police and military have not had to deal with such a wild and serious outbreak of violence in the city in recent times.

The streets of Bombay were littered with burnt trucks and lorries, road-blocks, brick-bats and glasses. The streets wore a battle appearance with armoured cars, army tanks, Bren-gun carriers and ambulance vans rushing backward and forward.

The worst feature of to-day’s disturbances was the large-scale destruction of foodgrain shops and motor lorries.

Three British regiments in city

A Press Communique issued by the Joint Advance HQ Southern Command says: “Serious civil rioting… broke out in the city this morning. In several cases troops assisted the civil police in dispersing rioters. In some cases they were forced to open fire. Casualty reports have not yet been received. Some military vehicles have been attacked and burnt. Two merchants Navy officers and two army BORS have been admitted to hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the civil riots today. One Essex and two Leicester regiments are in the city assisting in restoring order.”

Hartal & processions

Though Sardar Patel and the Bombay PCC had appealed yesterday that there should be no attempt to call for a hartal, the Communist and other organisations to-day called a total stoppage of work.

Thousands of workers belonging to the GIP and BB&CI railway workshops and other factories came out.

Workers of about 60 textile mills also stopped work and came out.

Students of all colleges and schools did not attend their classes.

The BEST bus drivers and conductors also joined the strike and the City’s transport arrangements were considerably disorganised.

Processions started going round the city, calling upon shop-keepers to observe hartal.

People in European costume received special attention of the crowds and hats and ties were snatched away.

BEST bus drivers and conductors were seen running about the Hornby Road, attacking English soldiers and civilians.

The Mumbadevi post office and the post office at Bazar Gate Street were attacked.

On Girgaum Road a wine shop was looted and set on fire. The premises of May and Baker on Sandhurst Bridge were severely stoned and glass panes smashed.

A number of military lorries were attacked in the various parts of the city and some of them set on fire.

Police open fire

The city police opened fire a number times this morning in the Kalbadevi, Bhuleshwar and Girgaum areas, where mobs broke open a number of shops, looted them and set fire to furniture.

The Fort area was the scene of a serious clash between the police and crowds leading to police opening fire. One person was injured as a result of police firing. Police opened fire nearly twenty times.

The cause of the trouble which occurred on Phiroshah Mehta Road, a prominent business centre, was the running over of two persons by a military lorry driven by a British soldier. This incident caused a tension in the locality and crowds collected. A police party which arrived on the scene was attacked with stones. Thereupon one officer fired two revolver shots, wounding one person. The police also made repeated lathi charges.

The situation at the junction of Phirozeshah Mehta Road and Hornby Road became very serious round about midday. A huge mob attacked the fifteen-feet high glass show rooms of the European firm of Whiteaway Laidlaw and completely smashed all the glasses. Window panes of the National Bank and one or two other places in the vicinity were also smashed up. The police opened fire in this locality repeatedly. The military are now stationed in front of the Whiteaway Laidlaw with fixed bayonets.

Attacks on banks

Attacks were made by hooligan elements on three branches of the Imperial Bank of India. The branch at Duncan Road was broken into and the furniture was thrown out into the streets and set on fire.

Here the police opened fire to disperse the crowds. Six persons were injured. The other branches attacked were at Abdur Rehman Street and at Sandhurst Road.

The National City Bank of New York at Pherozeshah Mehta Road was also attacked and the glass window panes were smashed.

British troops called out

British troops were called out shortly before mid-day, following a conference between the Chief Presidency Magistrate and police authorities.

British troops want into action for the first time at above 1 p.m. near J. J. Hospital junction.

British troops opened fire for the second time today to disperse a violent mob. The second firing took place in Fort area near Pherozeshah Mehta Road in a bylane. Two persons were injured as a result of this firing.

Machine-gunning

As evening advanced, mob violence increased in intensity and police and military resorted to repeated firing and also on one or two occasions machine-gunning.

The areas affected in the evening were Abdul Rehman Street and Crawford Market near police headquarters, Northbrooke Gardens near Null Bazar, Kalbadevi Road, Bhendi Bazar, Two Tanks, J. J. Hospital Junction, De Lisle Road, Elphinstone Bridge, Lal Baug, Parel, Tilak Bridge (Dadar) and Mahim.

At Northbrooke Gardens a municipal stable was set on fire and a post office looted. After looting the mob burnt the whole building.

At Carnac Road, near the police headquarters, a militant mob attacked the police and military with stones and the latter replied with machine gun fire resulting in thirty casualties.

Along Kalbadevi Road a silk shop was looted and when military arrived on the scene, a fusilade of stones and brickbats greeted them. The military retaliated with rifle-fire, injuring ten persons including an advocate named Chottalal Desai. There were firings also at Elphinstone Bridge near Parel, near Kohinoor Mill where a military picket was attacked, and near Tilak Bridge (Dadar) where a number of military lorries were set on fire.

At the junction of Mahomed Ali Road and J. J. Hospital which was described by some persons in the morning as a quiet area there was a pitched battle between an armed police party and a violent mob. Three police officers on duty at this junction were set upon by a mob. One of the officers escaped, but the remaining two were attacked and their revolvers taken away. One policeman who came to the rescue of the officers was killed and several policemen and another officer were injured. On receipt of an SOS from this locality a military unit with armoured cars rushed to the scene and on its being attacked with stones and brickbats it opened fire. This was the first time when troops went into action after the disturbances started today.

30 killed in Lalbaug area

Thirty persons were killed and nearly 250 persons injured at Lalbaug area where repeated disturbances occurred this evening.

The first disturbances occurred at 1 p.m., at Bolwada, north of Lalbaug when the police opened fire on a crowd which defied the police and pelted stones at them. The trouble spread from this area southwards and by 2 p.m. a huge mob, numbering about 30,000, had collected at Lalbaug and attacked a police picket, killing one policeman and injuring two police officers. Police reinforcements which arrived on the scene opened fire a number of times as a result of which several persons were injured. The mob which receded as a result of the firing again returned to the attack and set fire to a wooden tram-shelter at Lalbaug, a police van and two military lorries. In the meantime, a military patrol arrived and opened fire. Several persons were injured in this firing also. Nearly 250 casualties were taken to KEM Hospital where thirty were found dead and fifty in a serious condition.

Civil police, assisted by military, rigorously enforced the curfew in all the disturbed areas. While there were many instances of mob violence between nightfall and the curfew hour, the situation according to preliminary reports improved with the strict enforcement of curfew.

British Army tanks, used this afternoon for parade purposes in the disturbed areas, returned to Army Headquarters, Colaba, shortly after 10 p.m. indicating that, with enforcement of the curfew, the situation had come under control.

A waste cotton godown of Alerance Mill caught fire in the evening. The fire brigade arrived on the scene and extinguished the flames before the fire spread.

Police casualties in Bombay

Police casualties in today’s disturbances are one constable killed, 37 officers and 90 constables injured.

Shortly before the enforcement of curfew a jewellery shop in Sheikh Memon Street was looted, and the police caught 30 looters red-handed.

The headquarters of the Salvation Army situated at Byculla was attacked, set on fire and burnt.

Late tonight, a fire at Worli which is outside the curfew area was reported.

The enforcement of curfew did not deter bands of hooligans from breaking open two banks, Devkaran Nanji bank at Thakurdwar and the Habib Bank at Javeri Bazar, and looting the cash. Four goldsmiths’ shops in the Javeri Bazar area were also broken open. The miscreants made good their escape before the police arrived.

Armoured cars, Bren-gun carriers and army tanks returned to Army Headquarters at Colaba round about 1 a.m. after having continually patrolled the disturbed areas for nearly 14 hours.

Curfew area

The curfew proclaimed by the Police Commissioner from tonight will affect for the first time in recent history the Fort area. From Museum in the east upto Victoria Gardens near Byculla Station, a distance of about six miles is affected by the curfew. The curfew also extends from Queen’s Road in the west to Frere Road on the east. This means, the entire area from Museum to Victoria Gardens, excepting a small strip of land west of Queen’s Road is affected by the curfew. Chowpathy and Malabar Hill areas are, however, unaffected.

Public meeting cancelled

Owing to the tension in the city and the orders of the Police Commissioner about assemblies, the public meeting scheduled to take place this evening at Chaupathi over which Sardar Patel was to preside has been cancelled, says an announcement from the Congress House.

Holiday for Reserve Bank

The Manager of the Reserve Bank of India says that the Government of Bombay have declared today a half holiday for banks from 1 p.m. under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

All markets and trade associations also
remained closed.

Races cancelled

Tomorrow’s Bombay races have been postponed in view of the situation in the city.

Ban on processions

The Commissioner of Police, Bombay, has banned assembly of five or more persons and taking out of processions for a period of 14 days from to-day.

28 grain shops looted or burnt down

Latest reports from the Food Department, Government of Bombay, show that 28 grain shops were either looted or burnt down since the disturbances started last night.

Nine Government grain shops have been either looted or burnt down in the city in the disturbances on February 21 states a Press note issued by the Public Relations Officer (Ratioling), Bombay.

The Press note adds that on previous occasions too several grain shops have, from time to time, been damaged by hooligans. Government notes with regret this frequent recurrence of damage and destruction of people’s food which today, in view of the grave food situation both in India and throughout the world, need to be more strictly conserved than ever before. Food destroyed now cannot be replaced.

Government trust that the citizens of Bombay will actively co-operate with the authorities in protecting food supplies in the city and ensuring that local disorder does not develop into looting and destruction of the people’s food stocks.

It is unlikely Government will be able to re-open these shops for some time and considerable inconvenience must be caused to those who draw their rations at these shops by having to draw them from more distant shops.

22

Sailors decide to surrender

Response to Patel’s advice

BOMBAY (API, Feb. 22) – The Indian Naval ratings who sought Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s advice this evening, have informed Sardar Patel that they have decided to accept his advice to surrender unconditionally.

The Central Strike Committee of the RIN ratings met at HMIS Talwar tonight and decided by a majority to advise the ratings at the Castle Barracks and in the ships in the harbour to lay down arms and surrender unconditionally and resume work from tomorrow.

A minority, it is stated, opposed the idea of the ratings resuming work without their grievances being redressed.

The decision of the committee was flashed to the men on ships and in the establishments, but as the acknowledgment could not be verified by personal contact, due to the curfew, the committee has decided to meet the men early in the morning.

Sardar’s advice

Sardar Patel told representatives of the naval ratings today: “In the present unfortunate circumstances that have developed, the advice of the Congress to the RIN ratings is to lay down arms and to go through the formality of surrender which has been asked for. The Congress will do its level best to see that there is no victimisation and the legitimate demands of the naval ratings are accepted as soon as possible. There is considerable tension all over the city and there has been heavy loss of life and property. There is also considerable strain both on the naval ratings as well as on the authorities. While fully appreciating their spirit and courage and also having full sympathy in their present difficulties, the best advice that the Congress can give them in the present circumstances is to end the tension immediately. This is in the interest of all concerned.”

FOC’s proclamation

The Flag Officer Commanding, RIN, issued the following proclamation by loud hailer to all mutineers on ships:

“The following message is from Admiral Godfrey, FOC, RIN: ‘I told you yesterday that ample forces are available to restore order. The GO C-in-C, Southern Command has been ordered by His Excellency the C-in-C to assume supreme control in Bombay. To show you that ample forces are available he has ordered a formation of RAF aircraft to fly over the harbour today. These aircraft will not fly over the ships or take any offensive provided there is no action taken against them. Should you now have decided in accordance with my warning, to surrender unconditionally, you are to hoist a large black or blue flag and muster all hands on deck on the side facing Bombay City and await further orders.’”

RAF over dock area

A Press Communique issued by the Joint Advance HQ Southern Command at 7 p.m. says:

“A formation of 19 RAF machines flew over Bombay City and Harbour area at 11 a.m. There were no incidents.

“There have been no incidents from RIN ships or establishments apart from stone-throwing from HMIS Talwar and passing of signals from ships to shore establishments. Yesterday’s casualties among the mutineers in Castle Barracks are reported to be one killed and three injured.”

Officers come ashore

Nearly all Indian officers, numbering sixty, from the various ships affected by the strike have come ashore since firing was exchanged yesterday. Six British officers who were aboard the ships on “mutiny” have also arrived.

One of the last batches of Indian officers reaching the shore today said that the strikers were signalled by the Flag Officer Commanding, Bombay, yesterday to relieve all officers on board ships. The orders were respected and the officers were ferried to the shore by the ratings.

The officer added that there remained only about half a dozen Indian officers still on the ships. They had been held as hostages. The officer further said that food was in short supply in all ships.

Royal Navy units arrive

Units of the Royal Navy and air squadrons have arrived in Bombay.

Two Royal Navy vessels have arrived in Bombay to support the action of the authorities, it is learnt. Air reinforcements have also reached Bombay.

Lt. Khan, President of the Naval Strike Committee, visited the various RIN ships in the harbour and exhorted the ratings to peacefully hand over the ships to RIN officers. They urged the ratings to maintain strict non-violence.

In Castle Barracks the behaviour of the ratings was peaceful. The ratings had locked up the ammunition.

23

Six Indian sailors killed in Karachi

HMIS Hindustan surrenders after 20-minute fierce duel

KARACHI (API, Feb. 22) – Six Indian Naval ratings were killed and 33 wounded, in a 20-minute fierce duel between the guns of HMIS Hindustan and British artillery on shore.

The Hindustan was brought under fire following the refusal of the RIN mutineers to surrender. The ship’s company hoisted the white flag after a brief but spirited retaliation.

HMIS Hindustan has been evacuated and 300 ratings are under arrest.

The military have taken control of the whole harbour area.

No one is allowed to proceed beyond the Port Trust buildings. British paratroops have been reinforced.

The city is observing hartal.

The strike of the Indian ratings in the shore establishment of Bahadur, Himalayas and Chamak continues to-day.

The men in Chamak staged a hunger-strike yesterday but are, however, continuing their stay-in strike. They took their meals in the morning. They are not allowed, however, to leave their establishments for the harbour area nor are they permitted to contact civilians.

The following Press communique has been issued by the military authorities here:

“Early this morning after a night without incident, mutineers in possession of HMIS Hindustan were informed by a senior naval officer that military action to capture the ship would be begun unless they surrendered forthwith. The mutineers were allowed until 9 a.m., for any ratings who wished to do so to leave the ship. No advantage was taken of this period and at about 10 a.m., a senior military officer called upon the mutineers to lay down their arms and abandon the ship as this would be their last chance before action to seize the ship was taken. The mutineers were warned that any men remaining on deck who did not surrender would be fired on. The only response was that some of the mutineers manned the ship’s guns on deck.

At 10:35 a.m., after the period of grace had lapsed, strictly controlled rifle-fire on individuals still on the ship’s deck was opened by the troops. The ship returned the fire with heavy machine-guns, but the military still restricted their fire to sniping by individual riflemen. The ship’s company then began firing with the whole ship’s armament including 4-inch guns and it became necessary to open fire in return with one field gun and mortars. Hits on the deck of the ship were observed from 10:50 a.m. until 10:55 a.m. when the white flag was displayed and fire was stopped immediately.

“Reported casualties were four RIN ratings killed and 26 RIN ratings wounded. One BOR of the military detachment was wounded slightly. As far as is known no casualties of any other sort have occurred.

“The ship’s company were disembarked and a military detachment occupied the vessel.

“All is reported quiet in the naval shore establishments and no further incidents have occurred since the main party of mutineers from HMIS Hindustan surrendered.”

All is quiet

It is officially announced that all is quiet at Karachi. HMIS Hindustan has been evacuated.

HMIS Bahadur, HMIS Chamak, and HMIS Himalaya are under military guard.

It is hoped normal routine will start to-morrow. As a result of the action to bring HMIS Hindustan under control, RIN casualties number six dead and 33 wounded.

Approximately 300 ratings from HMIS Hindustan are under arrest. Of these approximately are 75 Hindustan’s own ship’s company, the remainder being from shore establishments. A number withdrew before the ultimatum expired. HMIS Dilawar is quiet and working normal routine.

HIIS Travancore proceeded to sea with all her officers on board when action was taken against HMIS Hindustan.

Wounded in serious condition

Enquiries in the Indian General Hospital show that so far thirty Indian ratings who have been wounded in this morning’s action have been admitted. Most of them are in a serious condition.

Hindustan badly damaged

Within three hours of this morning’s firing an API correspondent managed to tour the affected area. He found the entire village of Keamara deserted, with only frequent patrolling of the British troops in jeeps.

HMIS Hindustan was found badly damaged with many hits. A red flag is found flying indicating a danger signal and no one is allowed to approach anywhere near the damaged sloop. The nearby area is strewn with stray bullets.

The surrendered crew of the Hindustan have been arrested. They were later addressed by an officer of the sloop who tried vainly to persuade them to take meals.

The troops have surrounded the shore establishments of Bahadur, Himalaya and Chamak and the ratings who are continuing their stay-in strike today are said to have been confined to their respective establishments.

Immediate enquiry demanded

Mr. M. H. Gazdar, President of the Sind Provincial Muslim League who went to Keamara area to study the situation, said that he was not allowed to go beyond the dock gate and even this was permitted only after prolonged entreaties with the authorities. Mr. Gazdar added that he met some of the strikers and discussed with them their demands. Mr. Gazdar said: “Unequal treatment given to Indians, officers and men, is the principal cause for the trouble and the Indian ratings strongly feel the urge for freedom of the country.”

Mr. Gazdar criticised the Sind Government for “having handed over part of the city to the military authorities” and demanded an immediate inquiry into the firing on HMIS Hindustan.

24

Aruna’s S.O.S. to Nehru

BOMBAY (API, Feb, 22) – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has been requested to come down to Bombay immediately to save the naval strike climax.

Mrs. Aruna Asaf Ali, in a telegram to Pandit Nehru, says: “Naval strike tense. Situation serious climaxing to grim close. You alone can control and avoid tragedy. Request your immediate presence in Bombay.”

Sardar postpones visit to Lahore

In view of the grave situation in the city, following today’s disturbances, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who had planned to fly to Lahore tomorrow morning, has postponed his departure to be available to give advice and deal with any situation that may arise. Sardar Patel will decide later as to when he will leave for Lahore.

Azad in contact with authorities

NEW DELHI (API, Feb. 22) – The Congress President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, in a statement, says: “The unexpected RIN strike has led to a sequel which has assumed distressing proportions. I am fully conscious of the gravity of the situation and the issues involved in it. I am in contact with the authorities and I am seeking a prompt and practical termination of the strike.”

25

Central Assembly:
Adjournment motion over RIN mutiny to be discussed today

Speaker changes earlier decision

NEW DELHI (API, Feb. 22) – The Assembly will hold a special meeting tomorrow at 3 in the afternoon to discuss Mr. Asaf Ali’s adjournment motion to discuss “the grave situation that has arisen in respect of the Indian Navy, affecting practically the whole of it, as a result of mishandling by the immediate authorities concerned.”

The President fixed tomorrow for a debate on the motion, thereby changing an earlier decision that the motion be taken up on Monday.

The demand for a special sitting tomorrow was made by Mr. Sarat Bose, Leader of the Opposition, who said there had been considerable worsening of the situation since this morning and added “we cannot possibly sit in our homes while fires are burning in Bombay, Karachi and elsewhere.”

Sir Edward Benthall, Leader of the House, urged that they should stick to their earlier decision to discuss the motion on Monday.

Mr. P. Mason, Joint Secretary, War Department, said that a discussion tomorrow would only encourage those who were taking part in the indiscipline and harden their attitude.

Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan, Deputy Leader of the Muslim League Party, supported the idea of a sitting tomorrow while Mr. P. J. Griffiths, Leader of the European Group, said that his group had no objection, although they doubted whether a debate, at this stage, was desirable.

Mr. Asaf Ali insisted that there had been no truce as expected this morning and, therefore, the motion should be taken up tomorrow.

Sardar Mangal Singh and Miss Mamben Kara thought it would be desirable that the whole day be devoted to discussion of the situation.

Mr. Mason at one stage suggested that the House tonight consider holding a secret session so that members might speak freely and so that such speeches would not have any adverse effect outside.

Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan and Mr. Griffiths pointed out that a secret session would produce the impression that the situation was graver than it actually was.

Mr. Mason concurred.

The House adjourned till 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Earlier debate

The naval ratings’ strike in Bombay and Karachi was discussed earlier in the Assembly as an urgent matter to which priority was given by dispensing with the usual question-hour. Up-to-date official details of the situation were given in a statement by Mr. P. Mason, War Secretary, who later agreed to Mr. Asaf Ali’s suggestion that the whole matter be referred to the Defence Consultative Committee Mr. Mason said that there was a very good hope of a reasonable settlement of the trouble in the course of today.

The Chair admitted Mr. Asaf Ali’s adjournment motion on the subject and fixed Monday for a debate on it.

The President admitted the adjournment motion tabled by Mr. Asaf Ali, Deputy Leader of the Congress Party, to discuss “the grave situation that has arisen in respect of the Indian Navy, affecting practically the whole service as a result of mishandling by the immediate authorities concerned.”

In seeking leave for his motion, Mr. Asaf Ali said that the statement made by the War Secretary made it perfectly clear that the situation was mishandled in the beginning; Otherwise the more serious developments would not have taken place. The immediate authorities concerned were utterly ignorant of the feelings of their men.

Continuing, Mr. Asaf Ali said: “Subsequent to the arrests of R. K. Singh. and Dutt, Commanding Officer King misbehaved in many ways. He used atrocious language towards his men and that was the beginning of the strike. Even then the situation could have been dealt with a little more discretion than was shown by the authorities. Now they were threatening to blow up the Navy.”

Mr. Asaf Ali went on: Are you so unimaginative that you cannot realise that a new world has arisen? We are going through a travail and through this travail we have got to steer our bark as carefully as possible.” The high-handed action taken by the authorities would not do, he said. They had to take notice of the new feelings that had arisen in the world as a result of the war.

Mr. Asaf Ali said that he would not press the motion if a peaceful settlement of the whole question was decided upon by the Government as a matter of principle. Meanwhile they could consult the Defence Consultative Committee and inform the ratings that the whole question was now being referred to the representatives of the people in consultation with whom the War Department would formulate its policies for the future.

Mr. Asaf Ali said that if the House allowed, he was prepared to accompany a representative of the Government and walk to the ratings personally.

Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose, Leader of the Opposition, said that the situation was serious beyond words. There had been bungling on the part of persons who ought not to have been placed in the positions which they now occupied (Hear. Hear). At the same time, he agreed that they should not say today anything which might make the situation more difficult.

The Congress Party, however, could not drop the adjournment motion in view of the latest news that the situation had worsened in Bombay and Karachi. He suggested that the President should fix either today or Monday for discussion on the motion. Meanwhile they would study the situation carefully.

War Secretary’s reply

Mr. Mason said that there was very good hope of a reasonable solution being reached in the course of the day.

If the Opposition desired to discuss the motion on Monday, he said, Government would raise no objection on grounds of urgency.

The President admitted the motion and fixed Monday for discussion.

Mr. M. R. Masani (Congress) who had tabled a similar adjournment motion, asked whether his adjournment motion could not be discussed today. He appealed to the Leader and Deputy Leader of his party to have the matter discussed today instead of on Monday. The authorities had held out a threat against the ratings and it was not desirable that the House should keep silent on the matter.

The British Parliament was going to be seized of the matter today. “If Parliament can discuss this matter without insecurity to the Empire or the armed forces, I find it extremely difficult to understand why discussion in this Assembly to which the Navy question more directly belongs, at the same time as the British Parliament, should be considered a danger.

“Parliament has after all a point of view from ours.”

The War Secretary, Mr. Mason had referred to the action of the ratings as “mutiny.” “There have been other mutinies in our history,” said Mr. Masani, “and we are proud of them.” (A voice: There may be many more).

Mr. Manu Subedar (Congress) asked the War Secretary to drop the word “mutineers” in the interests of a peaceful settlement. According to the War Secretary himself, said Mr. Subedar, only a small fringe of the men was affected.

Mr. Mason: Technically, anyone who refused duty is a mutineer. We are not going to discuss the matter any further and I won’t use the word any more today (Laughter).

26

Joint War Secretary’s statement; Defence Committee to take up question

Asaf Ali’s spirited reply to threat of wiping out navy

NEW DELHI (API, Feb. 22) – Mr. Yusuf Abdulla Haroon (League), Mr. M. R. Masan (Congress) and Mr. D. P. Karmarkar (Congress) put a series of questions on the RIN strike in the Central Assembly today.

Mr. Mason made a statement on the situation. On Monday, February 18, at 12 hours, he said, serious trouble broke out in HMIS Talwar, the RIN Signal School Bombay. All ratings, except Chief Petty Officers, refused duty and refused to listen to their officers. The establishment comprised approximately 1,100 ratings. The Flag Officer, Bombay, visited the School but was unable to obtain a hearing. The Flag Officer replaced the Commanding Officer of the Talwar by a senior and experienced officer.

Demands of ratings

On Tuesday February 19, the trouble spread to the RIN Depot and Castle Barracks, Bombay, and to ships in Bombay Harbour. There was considerable rowdyism in the streets and the civil police made some arrests of ratings involved in acts of violence. The Flag Officer Commanding, Bombay, visited the Talwar the same day and met 14 ratings who came forward as spokesmen.

Their demands were:

  • No victimisation of the so-called “strikers”;

  • Release of R. K. Singh, Telegraphist, from Arthur Road Prison immediately;

  • Speedy demobilisation according to age and service groups with reasonable peacetime employment;

  • Immediate disciplinary action against Commander King, Commanding Officer, HMIS Talwar, for the insulting language he used against the personnel of HMIS Talwar;

  • Best class of Indian food;

  • Royal Navy scales of pay, family allowances, travelling facilities and the use of NAAFI stores.

Other demands included:

  • No kit to be taken back from RIN personnel at the time of release;

  • Immediate grant of war gratuity and treasury pay to men being released;

  • Good behaviour of officers towards lower deck men;

  • Quicker and regular promotion of the lower deck men to officer rank and new officers coming from abroad to he stopped. They also wanted that a new Commanding Officer tor the Signal School in place of Commander King to be appointed.

The men further submitted that all the demands they had made were to be decided by the authorities concerned through a national leader whose name would be given. The fourteen ratings also wished to make a protest to the Government of India regarding (1) the INA policy (2) the firing on the public at various places and (3) the use of Indian troops in Indonesia and the Middle East.

In Calcutta

On February 19, Mr. Mason said, some 120 ratings in Calcutta staged a sit-down mutiny with somewhat similar demands. During the night about 150 ratings led by an officer proceeded from Marve to Bombay and tried to break into the Central Communications Office without success. They were locked up on return to Marve.

On Wednesday, February 20, there was no serious rioting during the morning, although the streets were crowded with ratings who were refusing to do their duty.

On February 20, the Defence Secretary said, the Flag Officer Commanding, Bombay, issued a message read verbally to all ships and ships companies ordering all ratings to be in their ships or establishments by 15:30 after which any rating found outside would be liable to be arrested. By this time the mutiny had spread to other establishments in the neighbourhood of Bombay, but in those establishments the ratings were not using violence. It was notable, Mr. Mason said, that the dockyard workmen had refused to join in the trouble.

The Defence Secretary proceeded: “On February 21 at 09:40 hours, ratings who were confined in the barracks began to break out and a Mahratta guard was compelled to open fire with single shots. The guards were stoned by ratings who later obtained rifle and returned their fire. Shortly afterwards a report was received that ships were raising steam in order to hoist ammunition to the four-inch guns. Rifle fire from one ship to the shore continued during the morning and one small shell caused injuries to several Indians.

Warning to ratings

“At 14:30 a.m. Rattary proceeded to the dockyard and met the leader of the mutineers to whom he gave a very serious warning telling him that no conditions other than unconditional surrender would be accented. Troops would not be withdrawn and overwhelming forces would be brought to bear if the mutineers persisted in their present attitude.”

The Flag Officer Commanding, RIN, broadcast a message and gave a similar warning.

Some Members: To destroy the Indian Navy and whose navy and whose money?

After that, Mr. Mason said, the “cease fire” flag was hoisted by the ships in the harbour. There was, however, an outbreak of sporadic firing later in the afternoon in the Castle Barracks area.

“There are, however, indications that the situation is still very serious,” Mr. Mason said. “An outbreak of indiscipline of this kind cannot be regarded in the same way as a trade dispute in civil life and must be dealt with firmly, although not vindictively. Of the demands of the

men, that for an improvement in the quality of food was met as soon as it was known, although the standard of rations of this service is already considerably above the army standard.”

Of the other demands, the War Secretary said, those relating to individual officers and men, they were being enquired into. No one had yet heard what it was that Commander King was alleged to have said. An enquiry was being held into this question. Nor was it known in Delhi what was the charge against S. K. Singh. Telegraphist Dutt was dismissed for writing up slogans in HMIS Talwar. This was a disciplinary action and the service could not proceed if acts of this nature by Commanding Officers were to be called in question by ratings.

Impossible to raise pay

The remaining demands which appeared to be the most important related to rates of pay and gratuity. Rates of pay in the navy were considerably higher than those in the Indian Army.

The War Secretary explained that it was impossible in the present state of India’s finances to accept the proposal that the wages of Indian servicemen should be raised to the level of the British service which were related to the wage levels in the United Kingdom. If such a demand were to be accepted it would mean that the size of the armed forces would have to be divided by three.

In Karachi

Reports he had received this morning showed that in Karachi, HMIS Himalaya, Chamak and Bahadur were quiet. The ratings there were addressed by the Commanding Officer and his address was received with what was described as ovation. The sloop Hindustan was in the hands of the mutineers comprising about 380 ratings. The position regarding this ship was that yesterday a number of ratings from the shore establishments tried to reach the ship. The military police went to the ship to arrest them and they were fired on from the ship. The military police returned the fire. Hindustan opened fire with all her guns.

The firing lasted ten minutes. This morning the Hindustan berthed alongside and the Commanding Officer was going to the ship in a final attempt to make them see reason. If they did not see reason, force would have to be used.

All small arms and ammunition had been removed from the Manora establishment.

The latest news from Bombay was that all naval small arms and ammunition had been surrendered to officers, but the ratings in the dockyard and ships still had arms.

Two parties among them

There was much talk going on between ships during the night. This was a point to which he would draw particular attention. It appeared from these radio signals there were two parties among them. A majority of the mutineers were impressed by the warning given to them by the Flag Officer Commanding and would like today to come to terms. There was, however, another small party which wanted to use violence. This party said that the support of all political parties was behind them and therefore they should persist in their attitude.

This party also said that the question would be discussed in Parliament.

There was some disturbance in the city which was the work of goondas and ratings did not appear to have taken any part in it. One Sub-Lieutenant was killed by bullet. There were no widespread disturbances. By daylight all ships were flying “cease fire” flags. In all shore establishments the situation was that the majority of men were quiet but were refusing work.

Madras and Vizag

Jamnagar and Cochin were unaffected. In Madras, 80 ratings marched through the streets in sympathy with the Bombay men but returned to their barracks. In Vizagapatam, 150 ratings demonstrated but returned to their barracks.

In Calcutta, 400 ratings still refused work.

Mr. Mason said that the first thing the men should do was to return to work. When that was done a full inquiry would be held.

So far as was known no ratings of ships at sea had joined the mutiny.

The number of men involved was rather less than 12,000.

Mr. Masani asked whether the language used by the Commander King to his ratings included phrases like “sons of coolies” and “sons of bitches.”

Mr. Mason said the Commander King was positive that he used no insulting language.

The question of what he said was under inquiry.

Mr. Asaf Ali, Deputy Leader of the Congress Party said: “The situation is extremely grave and we would be most reluctant to say or do anything which may make the situation worse. This subject requires deep, deliberate and very serious consideration and this is not a suitable occasion for supplementary questions and retorts.”

Mr. Asaf Ali said that the War Secretary should be referred immediately to the Defence Consultative Committee.

He felt that a definite assurance should be given by the War Secretary that pending the determination of all the issues under the advice of the Defence Consultative Committee, all operation should be suspended, whether in the nature of immediate steps now proposed to be taken or otherwise.

The situation was growing graver and graver every moment. Vice-Admiral Godfrey had stated in his broadcast, “to continue the struggle is the height of folly when you take into account the overwhelming forces at the disposal of Government at this time and which will be used to their utmost even if it means the destruction of the navy of which we have been so proud.”

On top of that broadcast, Prime Minister Attlee had stated in the Commons that seven vessels of the Royal Navy were proceeding to Bombay.

‘Army and Navy are ours’

“This,” said Mr. Asaf Ali, “points to a very serious situation namely that British forces are going to be used to destroy this navy. Is that a situation we can contemplate with equanimity? We cannot. The Army and Navy are ours, and we want to maintain them intact. Therefore the sooner we can bring about a peaceful situation, the better.

“There could be some objections to political parties outside the House interesting themselves in the situation but there could be no objection to the Defence Consultative Committee in which members of this House have representatives, discussing the situation. After all we want to maintain a good fighting machine, but at the same time we want to maintain patriotic machine (hear, hear). We do not want a mercenary machine, without using that word in a derogatory sense. The country would certainly back its army right down to its last man. I would not like the army to be torn by party politics (cheers). But at the same time do not mishandle the situation. Please let us look into the whole question carefully and in the meantime do not take any action which may make matters worse.”

Mr. Mason agreed to the proposal that the Defence Consultative Committee should consider the question as soon as possible.

The President remarked that there was no occasion for supplementary questions. He entirely shared the view that the delicate situation should not be mishandled by any kind of discussion which might not be conducive to a peaceful settlement.

27

Airmen’s strike in Madras

Sympathy with RIN ratings

MADRAS (Feb. 22) – About 150 men of the Royal Indian Air Force unit stationed at St. Thomas’ Mount went on a short strike today as a protest against the armed reprisals against the RIN strikers at Bombay.

The strike, which lasted for a little over three hours, was called off after the Station Commander, Wing-Commander Hardinge, addressed the strikers.

Interviewed by the Indian Express, Wing-Commander Hardinge said, “Approximately 150 Indian airmen of the station refused to come for duty this morning out of sympathy with the Royal Indian Navy strikers at Bombay. They later returned to duty, within approximately three hours.”

In Bombay

BOMBAY (Feb. 22) – Men of the RIAF camps at Marine Drive and Andheri and other camps who went on a stay-in-strike yesterday continued their strike today. Military pickets have been stationed round these camps. The situation is quiet.

In Calcutta

CALCUTTA (API, Feb. 22) – About 200 men of the RIAF in Calcutta are stated to be on a 21-hour sympathetic strike since this morning as a protest against the firing yesterday in Bombay.

Official confirmation, however, is not available.

28

Statement by Mohandas Gandhi
February 23, 1946

I have followed the events now happening in India with painful interest. This mutiny in the navy and what is following is not, in any sense of the term, non-violent action. Inasmuch as a single person is compelled to shout “Jai Hind” or any popular slogan, a nail is driven into the coffin of Swaraj in terms of the dumb millions of India.

Destruction of churches and the like is not the way to Swaraj as defined by the Congress. Looting and burning of tramcars and other property, insulting and injuring Europeans, is not non-violence of the Congress type, much less mine, if and in so far as it may be different from the Congress. Let the known and unknown leaders of this thoughtless orgy of violence know what they are doing and then follow their bent. Let it not be said that India of the Congress spoke to the world of winning Swaraj through non-violent action and belied her word in action – and that too at the critical period of her life.

I have deliberately used the adjective “thoughtless.” For, there is such a thing as thoughtful violent action. What I see happening now is not thoughtful.

If the Indian members of the Navy know and appreciate non-violence, the way of non-violent resistance can be dignified, mainly and wholly effective, if it is corporate. For the individual it always is. Why should they continue to serve if service is humiliating for them or India? Actions like this I have called non-violent non-co-operation. As it is, they are setting a bad and unbecoming example for India.

A combination between Hindus and Muslims and others for the purpose of violent action is unholy and will lead to and probably is a preparation for mutual violence – bad for India and the world.

The rulers have declared their intention to “quit” in favour of Indian rule. Let the act on be not delayed by a moment because of the exhibition of distressful unrest which has been lying hidden in the breast. Their might is unquestioned. Its use beyond the bare requirement will be unworthy and even wicked if it is made to suppress the people or a portion of them. The latter have been far too long under the foreign heel.

29

The Evening Star (February 23, 1946)

Bombay civilian riots continue; mutiny quelled

210 reported killed in 3-day disorder; new strikes occur

BOMBAY (AP) – The British announced breaking of the Royal Indian Navy mutiny both ashore and afloat at Bombay today amid continuing civil disorders. Strikes developed here and in Calcutta.

Casualties in Bombay since the beginning of the riots Thursday were estimated from city hospital reports to total 210 killed and more than 1,200 injured. Of these, 75 civilians were killed and 250 injured today up to 4 p.m. (5:30 a.m. EST). Two constables were killed and 50 policemen were wounded.

British troops and Indian police battled street mobs.

“On the whole,” said a British communique issued in Bombay, “the situation shows improvement. Today rioting occurred in some areas of the city and there has been serious rioting in the mill area.”

General headquarters in New Delhi announced that the striking Indian seamen, numbering almost 12,000, both in barricaded barracks in Bombay and aboard score of small war vessels in the harbor had yielded unconditionally at 9 a.m. (10:30 p.m. Friday night EST).

Air force men won’t work

A communique issued later by Lt. Gen. R. M. Lockhart’s advanced headquarters here said the mutineer-held vessels had signified their “desire to surrender unconditionally.” The seamen were assured by a high naval officer that there would be no vindictive treatment of individuals involved, it said. The bulletin added that 1,200 Royal Indian Air Force men were still refusing to work, but that there had been no incidents involving them.

About 300,000 Indian workers were reported involved in the Bombay and Calcutta strikes. These were called in sympathy with the Indian naval strikers, who have sought increased pay, better food, disciplinary action against the commander of HMIS Talwar for alleged improper treatment of seamen, and speedier demobilization.

British troops fired repeatedly today on crowds swarming the streets in the cotton mill area of Bombay. Rioters burned military vehicles, a textile mill and a train, set up street barricades and looted shops.

Elsewhere in the city there were isolated outbreaks. Two persons were killed and several were wounded when police fired on a crowd attacking a Salvation Army building in the center of the city.

Windows smashed

Banks and some business houses were targets of window smashers. The Princess Street branch of Lloyd’s Bank was set afire. The Imperial Bank of India branch at Abdul Rahman was looted and rioters attempted to break into its safe.

Police Commissioner H. E. Butler widened the curfew area to embrace most of the southern half of Bombay and made the curfew effective from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., compared to last night’s 9-to-6 order. Pedestrians moving during curfew hours were ordered fired at on sight.

“This curfew will be enforced,” the commissioner said.

A companion order warned that any person establishing barricades in the streets, a device for halting traffic, was “liable to be shot on sight.”

One police station alone said its men had arrested 105 persons up to 1:30 p.m. for looting and arson.

Police defied

Indian crowds were reported in control of a four-square-mile area in North Bombay, where the Mahim railway station was set on fire. Fifty-three government grain shops in Bombay were reported burned or looted since Thursday night.

In Karachi, 580 miles up the coast, demonstrators defied police who sought to move them from the Igdah Maidan (open space). The officers fired twice. The crowd stoned police vans moving up reinforcements.

Communist flags flew with Congress party and Moslem emblems at a Calcutta rally in which speakers blamed the British and Indian governments for the unrest in Bombay and Karachi and adopted a resolution protesting the shootings at both cities.

A one-day strike of transportation workers in sympathy with the Indian seamen here halted streetcars in Calcutta and but few trains moved. Ranen Sen, a member of the All-India Trade Union Congress, said 50,000 workers, mainly from the transport services, were out in that first city of India.

30

Legislature censures Indian government’s handling of mutiny

NEW DELHI (AP) – The Central Legislative Assembly adopted, 74-40, today a motion of censure charging the government with mishandling the strike of Royal Indian Navy seamen in Bombay, Karachi and other centers.

Philip Mason, secretary of war in the Indian government, announced there would be two inquiries into the strike – one military and another legislative.

Mr. Mason assured the legislators there would be no mass punishment or victimization of strikers, but said the government reserved the right to act against those who “must have misled” the men.

The government, he said, was aware of the “electric atmosphere” in India.

31

Gandhi calls on India to halt ‘thoughtless orgy of violence’

Hindu-Moslem combination for action bad for country and world, he says

LONDON (AP) – Reuters said in a dispatch from Poona, India, today that Mohandas K. Gandhi had appealed to his countrymen In India to stop “this thoughtless orgy of violence.”

In his first declaration since rebellion and mutiny swept Bombay and other Indian cities, the spiritual leader of India’s millions of untouchables was quoted by Reuters as saying:

“The mutiny in the Navy and what is following is not in any sense of the term, nonviolent action.

“Let it not be said that the India of Congress (Indian National Congress party) spoke to the world of winning swaraj (home rule) through nonviolent action and belied her words in action – and that too at a critical period in her life.

“Inasmuch as a single person is compelled to shout ‘jai hind’ (victory for India) or any popular slogan, a nail is driven into the coffin of swaraj.

“The looting and burning of tramcars and other property, the insulting and injuring of Europeans is not non-violence of the Congress type, much less of mine,” Gandhi asserted.

“Let the known and unknown leaders of the thoughtless orgy of violence know what they are doing and then follow their bent.

“As it is they are setting a bad and unbecoming example for India.

“The combination between Hindus, Moslems and others for the purpose of violent action is unholy. It will lead and probably is a preparation for mutual violence – bad for India and the world.”

32

The Pittsburgh Press (February 23, 1946)

Stop rioting, Gandhi pleads

Indian mutiny ends but clashes continue

BOMBAY (UP) – Mohandas K. Gandhi appealed to the wild mobs of Bombay today to halt the rioting which still swept the city despite the unconditional surrender of mutineering Indian Navy seamen.

Repeated volleys of gunfire by British troops failed to halt the wave of burning, looting, stoning and attacks on British civilians which occurred all day.

Gandhi broke his silence and threw the weight of the powerful Congress Party behind the British authorities in an effort to halt what he called “a thoughtless orgy of violence.”

“Let it not be said that the India of the Congress spoke to the world of winning home rule through non-violent action and belied her word at a critical period of her life,” Gandhi said.

A British communique placed casualties from 9 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday at 63 dead and 777 injured.

Unofficial estimates of casualties in three days of rioting were 200 killed and 1000 injured.

The naval mutiny ended in unconditional surrender shortly after dawn. Sailors who had been resisting British authorities since Thursday in the Castle Barracks and aboard 10 naval vessels in the harbor laid down their arms.

Curfew extended

Fresh reinforcements of British troops and police were rushed into the city. The situation in the northern part of Bombay was called worse than Friday.

The curfew was extended to cover a period from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The government warned that anyone found building a road barricade was liable to be shot on sight.

Rioters swarmed around a railroad train in the suburban station of Dadar and set it on fire. They burned banks, post offices and other buildings.

One wing of the Kohinoor Mills was set ablaze. But the flames were extinguished by firemen guarded by troops and police.

33

The Indian Express (February 24, 1946)

BOMBAY DISTURBANCES SPREAD TO LABOUR AREA
Attacks on textile mills, railway stations and trains

Increased police & military firing; very heavy casualties; Road blockers to be shot on sight: Curfew hours extended

BOMBAY (Feb. 23) – Bombay witnessed a second day of unprecedented mass violence today. Unlike yesterday, while the Fort area was quiet today, the trouble has enveloped the entire city from Crawford Market up to Khar Road, a suburb of Bombay, an area of about fifty square miles.

Disquieting features of today’s disturbances were the shifting of the scene of disturbances from the southern part of the city to the working-class area in the north and the concentrated attacks on textile mills, railway stations, trains, banks, post offices and barricading of trunk roads with heavy iron railings, lamp-posts and huge boulders.

Burning of military lorries, looting and destruction of property were on a larger scale than yesterday. Consequently, the police and military resorted to firing on more occasions, resulting in very heavy casualties.

Unofficial reports put the total number of dead since the beginning of the disturbances on Thursday night in the neighbourhood of 250 and the total number of injured well over 1,300 of which about seven hundred are bullet cases. Police casualties are: Four constables killed and 175 injured (of whom about forty are officers).

…

34

Govt. censured for mishandling of RIN case

Adjournment motion passed in Assembly

NEW DELHI (Feb. 23) – The Central Assembly at a special sitting this afternoon passed by 74 votes to 40 Mr. Asaf Ali’s adjournment motion to discuss “the grave situation that has arisen in respect of the Indian Navy, affecting practically the whole of it, as a result of mishandling by the immediate authorities concerned.”

During the debate, the War Secretary, Mr. Philip Mason, stated that the incidents in Bombay and Karachi would be enquired into by three separate agencies.

First, the general policy would be examined by the Defence Consultative Committee. Then a services enquiry would be held into the conduct of those who dealt with the happenings; and lastly, a wide and impartial enquiry would be made into the whole question of the grievances, including the allegations against the immediate authorities. With the last enquiry, representatives of the Legislature would be associated.

Mr. Mason said that, while he could not give the assurance that no one would be punished, he could say that there would be no victimisation or mass punishment of any kind.

He asked the House not to censure the Government on this subject or condemn officers unheard, because such censure or condemnation would mean encouragement of further acts of indiscipline.

Points made by supporters of the motion (including Mr. A. R. Siddiqut, Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan, Mr. M. R. Masani and Dr. Deshmukh) were: Racial discrimination was the root cause of the trouble; so long as alien rule lasted, discipline and loyalty would not be spontaneous or wholehearted: Government disregarded warnings given in the House and elsewhere that discriminatory treatment of Indian officers would recoil on the authorities themselves.

Mr. P. J. Griffiths, leader of the European Group, said hat inflammatory speeches made by Congress leaders, the public laudation of INA men and the bad example set by the RAF men and then by the RIAF men, were among the reasons for the outbreak.

…

35

RIN men surrender in Bombay

Arms being collected from ships

BOMBAY (Feb. 23) – All the Royal Indian Navy ships under the control of the ratings on strike surrendered unconditionally this morning in accordance with the advice tendered to them by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

A signal from the strike Committee that the ships are ready to surrender was received at Naval Headquarters at Bombay at 6:13 a.m. today after which the ships surrendered one by one in accordance with the terms laid down by the Flag Officer Commanding the Royal Indian Navy.

The Indian naval ratings who had barricaded themselves inside Castle Barracks also surrendered simultaneously.

The naval ratings strike has been called off.

It is officially stated from New Delhi that the ratings in Bombay have surrendered unconditionally. The surrender has been accepted.

Soon after the surrender signal was hoisted by the Royal Indian Navy ships under the control of the strikers, Rear-Admiral Rattray, Flag Officer, Bombay, and Lt. Choudhury went on board the ships and addressed the ratings.

The flag of Vice-Admiral Godfrey was hoisted on the Narbada, the flag ship of the Vice-Admiral.

Arrangements were made for the supply of fresh water and food to the ratings on all ships and in the Castle Barracks. Naval and military authorities are at present in conference discussing the control measures to be adopted in regard to the RIN ships.

The communique

A joint Press communique from Advance Headquarters, Southern Command issued at 7 p.m. states: ‘‘Rear-Admiral Rattray after his visit to a number of RIN ships and establishments during the day has submitted his report to Lieut.-Gen. Lockhart GO-in-C, Southern Command.

“The process of collecting arms from the RIN ships and establishments is proceeding quietly and ships guns are being immobilised. Rations have been issued to all ships and establishments. Total casualties discovered in Castle Barracks amounted to one Naval rating killed and two injured. There have been no untoward incidents during the day and military guards have been posted in certain shore establishments.”

The RIN Officer, whose death as a result of the disturbance in Bombay on February 22 was announced in a Press Communique issued that day by Joint Advance HQ, Southern Command, is Sub-Lt. P. G. Cowell, RINVR, says a communique.

A communique issued at 2:30 p.m. today from the Southern Command Advance Headquarters, Bombay on the RIN surrender situation says: ‘‘After the warning issued by FOCRIN yesterday ‘'morning at the time RAF formation flew over Bombay harbour no untoward incident occurred in connection with the RIN situation.”

Lockhart was constantly in touch with Admiral Godfrey and Admiral Rattray throughout the day.

At one time, information was received that the RIN intended to continue the mutiny in spite of FOCRIN’s call upon them to surrender.

However, later in the evening reports indicated that the men were disposed to consider unconditional surrender, but were apprehensive as to what unconditional surrender meant.

It was therefore decided to send Admiral Rattray who volunteered for the job, to visit all ships and shore establishments first thing this morning, to explain what unconditional surrender meant, He was given a written statement by the GOC-in-C, showing his interpretation of the term. He was also instructed to give the men an assurance that there would be no vindictive treatment of individuals.

This had hardly been arranged when Admiral Rattray, who was still with the GOC-in-C received a telephone message from HMIS Talwar to say that the men there had practically decided to surrender unconditionally, but before the final decision, could be taken they wished to consult representatives from the ships. Although it was midnight, General Lockhart gave permission for the ships’ representatives, to be allowed through the dock gates, and to go to HMIS Talwar to meet and then return to their ships.

The night passed uneventfully.

This morning Admiral Rattray received a signal that it had been decided to surrender unconditionally.

All RIN ships and establishments in Bombay flying black flags signifying their willingness to surrender.

Admiral Rattray has visited a number of ships and establishments and his report is awaited. All Indications are that the men are behaving in an orderly manner.

The RIN Torpedo School have taken no part in mutiny whatsoever and have given no trouble.

It has been ascertained that offices and records in Castle Barracks have not been damaged.

An API correspondent who visited Castle Barracks this afternoon found RIN ratings parading before officers while others went round Inside the barracks clearing up litter and putting various offices in order.

British troops are still quartered in the Town Hall and the compound has been turned into a park for a large number of miliary vehicles.

Strike called off in Karachi

KARACHI (Feb. 23) – The stay-in-strike in the Indian naval shore establishments Himalaya, Bahadur and Chamak in Manora Island was called off this morning. The men resumed work today unconditionally. The situation is quiet in Kemari the scene of the Royal Indian Navy strike trouble during the past three days.

The traffic to Kemari which has been suspended since noon in Thursday was resumed this morning. General hartal is being observed in the city.

Strike continues in Calcutta

CALCUTTA (API, Feb. 23) – The strike of over 500 RIN ratings in Calcutta continues to-day. The men are peaceful and there is no change in the situation.

The strikers were asked to-day by the Commodore of the Bay of Bengal to resume work in the light of the situation in Bombay and Karachi, but it is learnt they declined to do so. They stated that they were determined to carry on the strike till their demands were met. They have also asked the Central Strike Committee at Bombay to send for representatives from the different areas and consult them before calling off the strike.

Sec. 144 in Vizag

VIZAGAPATAM (Feb. 23) – The naval ratings’ strike in Vizagapatam is continuing. About 300 ratings were rounded up this morning and it is understood, they were taken to military prison.

The District Magistrate, Vizagapatam, has promulgated an order under Sec. 144 Cr. P. C. prohibiting processions and demonstrations.

36

Police firing in Karachi

British paratroops called out

KARACHI (Feb. 23) – The police fired three rounds at 2:55 p.m. today on an unruly crowd at the Idgah Maidan. The firing followed heavy stone-throwing by the crowd. Two men who were injured were removed to hospital. Four policemen are said to have been injured as the result of stone-throwing.

The situation deteriorated following the opening of the fire and the polite opened fire once again at 3:15 p.m. Two men were seriously injured.

The British paratroops were called out to stand by at 6:15 p.m. when the situation considerably worsened.

The police had to open fire two more rounds.

The crowds fanned out in all directions along a number of roads and bylanes that converge there and became uncontrollable. Mild lathi charges and tear gas attacks were tried with no success when the military was called out to stand by.

The District Magistrate held a conference with high police officials today for taking suitable security measures in the city.

The Sind Governor who was to have left for Hyderabad tomorrow morning has cancelled his departure.

With the military standing by, the situation has greatly eased, though large crowds are seen near Idgah Maidan. British paratroops are patrolling the main streets of the city in jeeps.

Sergeant Farmer who was passing along Idgah Maidan was badly stoned by the mob, with the result he had to be removed to hospital.

EARLIER NEWS

The tramway workers went on strike at 10:30 a.m. in sympathy with the RIN strike. All tramcars and buses have been brought back to the tramway yard.

Section 144 of Cr. P. C. has been promulgated in Karachi for an indefinite period prohibiting assemblies of more than five persons, meetings and processions.

Students who abstained from their classes today took out a procession and were later joined by communist leaders. The procession came on Bunder Road and held up tram service near Municipal Corporation. Large crowds collected on the road. Armed police arrived on the scene and restored tram traffic. Crowds melted and the processionists dispersed.

Complete hartal is being observed, with Sec. 144 promulgated armed military and civil police have been posted at various points.

Over 2,000 people collected at the Idgah Maidan to hold a sympathy meeting. Police arrived on the scene and ordered the crowd to disperse. On their refusal, the police used several rounds of tear gas. Stones were pelted at the police. Several people were affected by the gas. The crowds gathered again. Premier Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah accompanied by Mr. M. H. Gazdar visited the place and persuaded the crowd to disperse. The crowd demanded the withdrawal of the police. While the police was on the process of withdrawal, the crowd again pelted stones. The police force was then reinforced while the crowds also mustered strong and moved about the streets of the city.

37

Stop this thoughtless orgy: Gandhiji’s call

Rulers have declared their intention to quit: Let not the action be delayed

POONA (Feb. 23) – Mahatma Gandhi has appealed in a statement today to stop “the thoughtless orgy of violence” that is now going on in India. The mutiny in the Navy and what is following is not, he says in any sense of the term non-violent action.

“Let it not be said,” he adds, “that India or the Congress spoke to the world of winning Swaraj through non-violent action and belied her word in action and that too at the critical period of her life.”

Mahatma Gandhi in his statement says: “I have followed the events now happening in India with painful interest. This mutiny in the navy and what is following is not, in any sense of the term, non-violent action. Inasmuch as a single person is compelled to shout ‘Jai Hind’ or any popular slogan, a nail is driven into the coffin of Swaraj in terms of the dumb millions of India. Destruction of churches and the like is not the way to Swaraj as defined by the Congress. Looting and burning of tramcars and other property, insulting and injuring Europeans, is not non-violence of the Congress type, much less mine, if and in so far as it may be different from the Congress. Let the known and unknown leaders of this thoughtless orgy of violence know what they are doing and then follow their bent. Let it not be said that India of the Congress spoke to the world of winning Swaraj through non-violent action and belied her word in action – and that too at the critical period of her life.

“I have deliberately used the adjective ‘thoughtless.’ For, there is such a thing as thoughtful violent action. What I see happening now is not thoughtful. If the Indian members of the Navy know and appreciate non-violence, the way of non-violent resistance can be dignified, mainly and wholly effective, if it is corporate. For the individual it always is. Why should they continue to serve if service is humiliating for them or India? Actions like this I have called non-violent non-co-operation. As it is, they are setting a bad and unbecoming example for India.

“A combination between Hindus and Muslims and others for the purpose of violent action is unholy and will lead to and probably is a preparation for mutual violence – bad for India and the world.

“The rulers have declared their intention to ‘quit’ in favour of Indian rule. Let the act on be not delayed by a moment because of the exhibition of distressful unrest which has been lying hidden in the breast. Their might is unquestioned. Its use beyond the bare requirement will be unworthy and even wicked if it is made to suppress the people or a portion of them. The latter have been far too long under the foreign heel.”

38

RIAF men hail Azad as their general

Rousing reception at Lahore aerodrome

LAHORE (API, Feb. 23) – The Congress President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad accompanied by Maulana Daud Ghaznavi. President of the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee and Mr. Ajmal Khan, his Private Secretary arrived by a special plane at the Lahore aerodrome at 1:15 p.m.

Long before the plane was due to arrive, a crowd of RIAF men who recently went on strike, started collecting at the aerodrome. Soon after the plane landed, RIAF men gave a rousing reception to Maulana Azad. They hailed Maulana as their general. One of the leaders of RIAF men stepped forward and presented to the Congress President a purse. Later the Congress President had his lunch at the aerodrome restaurant.

When requested for a message by RIAF men, Maulana Azad told them “India will be free as early as possible.” One of the RIAF men asked for an assurance from the Maulana that they would not be dubbed as traitors after India had achieved independence.

The Congress President replied that he regarded them as limbs of Mother India.

Before the plane carrying Maulana Azad took off, a message was received by the aerodrome authorities that the landing conditions in Peshawar had become difficult owing to rains.

Maulana Azad therefore asked the local Congress leaders to make emergency arrangements at Chakala Aerodrome for a car to take him and his party to Peshawar.

RIN rating released

MADRAS (Feb. 22) – The RIN rating who, it was reported was arrested yesterday in connexion with an incident during the demonstrations in the City by the ratings, has been released.

The ratings, including those belonging to the Communications section, are reported to be at work as usual.

39

The Evening Star (February 24, 1946)

British fight night-long battle with rioting Bombay civilians; 3-day casualties put at 1,750

Soldiers open fire on surging mob in northern suburb

BOMBAY (AP) – Two hundred persons were killed or injured during α night of rioting and clashes between British troops and civilians which subsided only in the pre-dawn hours today after soldiers opened fire on surging mobs in the Dadar suburbs area of Northern Bombay.

Police said many of the night’s casualties were fatalities and that many bodies were still in Bombay hospitals awaiting removal to morgues. The unofficial casualty list, not including the night’s toll, for the three days of bitter street fighting included 250 dead and “well over 1,300” injured.

Gunfire and street rioting were confined almost entirely to northern sections of the city during the night and elsewhere Bombay was quiet.

The latest outbreak came after Mohandas K. Gandhi had appealed to Indians to end “this thoughtless orgy of violence” and after the surrender yesterday morning of Indian sailors whose mutiny on Thursday had touched off disorders here end in other cities.

Field pieces mounted

Several hundred troops were rushed into the Dadar area yesterday and field pieces were mounted. The suburb was described as tense after a textile mill and a train were set on fire.

Crowds had seized control of a four-square-mile area in Northern Bombay, where the main rioting had moved from the downtown section.

One unofficial estimate placed yesterday’s casualties at 75 killed and 250 injured, not including two constables killed and 50 police injured.

British troops and police fired on the rioting crowds more than a dozen times. Sympathy strikes, in which 300,000 workers took part, were called here and in Calcutta.

A British communique last night said additional army forces had been brought into Bombay.

Heavy firing was reported yesterday evening in the mill area, encompassed for the first time in the curfew, which is in effect from 7:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. Police said curfew violators would be shot on sight.

Appeal made at Poona

Gandhi, spiritual leader of millions of Indians and advocate of passive means to gain Nationalist goals, issued his appeal at Poona.

“Mutiny in the navy and what is following are not in any sense of the term non-violent,” he said.

“Let it not be said that the Indians of the Congress (party) spoke to the world of winning swaraj (home rule) through non-violent action and belied the words in action – and that, too, at a critical period of her life.”

Last night’s communique said the ships aboard which the Indian sailors mutinied were being demobilized and small arms removed “without incident.”

The striking seamen remained aboard the vessels, and were being issued rations, the communique added. Surrender was denoted by raising a black flag, in accordance with orders of the naval commander, Vice Adm. Sir John Godfrey.

An examination of the Castle Rock Barracks ashore, where barricaded sailors fought a long rifle duel with British troops, showed one Indian sailor killed and two wounded, the communique added. Previously an escapee had reported that 200 mutineers were killed in the gun fight.

No mass punishment

The surrender of the sailors both ashore and afloat, estimated at 12,000 men, took place at 9 a.m. yesterday.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, president of the Indian National Congress, said he had received assurance from the British commander in chief in India, Gen. Sir Claude Auchinleck, that there would be no mass punishment of the sailors and that all legitimate grievance would be sympathetically considered.

Indian Navy seamen said they struck because they were paid less than Britons for the same work, were given inferior food, were subjected to racial discrimination and were denied an opportunity of promotion.

The sailors demanded speedier demobilization and disciplinary action against the commander of HMIS Talwar for alleged improper treatment of seamen.

The office of the Provincial Directorate of Information declared at 6 p.m. yesterday that the rioting situation “appears to be improving as the disorders move north,” away from the heart of the city.

Two hours earlier, however, Deputy Police Commissioner A. E. Caffin had commented that “the situation is about half as bad as yesterday at this time, and that means very bad, indeed.”

A communique from Southern Command Advanced Headquarters in Bombay said there was “serious fighting” in the Bombay mill area but “on the whole the situation shows improvement.”

“Peace squads” were sent into trouble areas by the Congress party urging all Indians to return to their homes.

Flaming barricades erected

Gunfire rang out in many sections of the city for the third straight day. The crowds threw up flaming barricades to block traffic. Trees were uprooted or cut down to feed the fires. Bundles of straw and sticks and in some cases furniture from looted buildings also were used.

Banks remained a favorite target. The Princess Street Branch of Lloyd’s Bank was broken into and set ablaze. The Imperial Bank of India branch at Abdul Rahman was looted and rioters attempted to smash the safe.

Crowds would form, shouting and hurling stones, do what damage they could, then melt away at the appearance of armed forces.

One police station in Bombay said its men had arrested 150 persons up to 1:30 p.m. for arson and looting. British troops were operating in the city as if on a wartime basis.

Meanwhile in Karachi, 580 miles up the Arabian Sea coast from Bombay, police used tear gas and fired three rounds in an attempt to disperse a crowd of more than 2,000 assembled in defiance of an order prohibiting public gatherings.

Governments blamed

In Calcutta, Communist flags flew with Congress Party and Moslem emblems at a rally at which speakers blamed the British and Indian governments for unrest in Bombay and Karachi. Resolutions protesting shootings at both cities were adopted.

Streetcars were halted in Calcutta by a one-day strike of transportation workers, called in sympathy with the Indian seamen. Ranen Sen, member of the All-India Trade Union Congress, said 50,000 workers were out.

In New Delhi, the Central Legislative Assembly adopted a motion of censure charging the Indian government with mishandling the strike in Bombay, Karachi and other centers. The motion was put by the Congress Party.

Philip Mason, secretary of war in the Indian government, told the Assembly there would be two inquiries into the strike, one by the military and another in which the legislators would participate.

Mr. Mason declared the government was aware of the “electric atmosphere” in India and that the greatest care would be taken to avoid anything that would lead to a general deterioration of the situation.

Friday’s riot in Bombay was termed the worst in the city’s history. One official described it as “absolute rebellion.”

40

The Pittsburgh Press (February 24, 1946)

Death toll 263 in Indian riots

Violence continues for third day

BOMBAY (UP) – British authorities rushed more police and military reinforcements here today while Indian civilians rioted for the third day. Train service was disrupted and buildings fired in Bombay and other cities despite the unconditional surrender of mutineers of the Royal Indian Navy.

Official sources here late tonight said that known casualties in the Bombay riots totaled 763, of which 263 were dead and 500 were injured.

Although a communique said the situation on the whole was improving, railway service here, near Calcutta, and at points along the Bengal-Assam line was disrupted by strikes or demonstrations of civilians sympathizing with naval mutineers. Calcutta dispatches said streetcar service was halted by a one-day sympathy strike of workers.

British authorities acknowledged in a communique that 1,200 Indian Air Force personnel still refused duty but were “perfectly quiet.” At Karachi, 1,000 Air Force personnel were on strike, peacefully, and said they would return to duty tomorrow.

The London Evening News said Sir John Colville, Bombay governor, reported by telephone from Bombay that the situation was “now in hand. Things have been serious but there is no cause for undue alarm.”

Mohandas K. Ghandi joined the chorus of Indian leaders warning against violence. In a statement he appealed to the people to halt their “thoughtless orgy of violence.”

Despite his appeal and the exhortations of Congress Party volunteers who toured Bombay in loudspeaker trucks, naval sympathizers or hooligans were rioting in and around the city.

A mob set a local train afire at suburban Dadar station. A wing of the Koh-I-Noor textile mills was set afire here. Firemen, escorted by police and soldiers, extinguished the blaze.

Curfew ordered

British authorities put curfew hours at 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. They warmed that anyone caught erecting road barricades would be shot at sight.

Streets were littered with refuse which was rotting. The municipal garbage collectors stayed away from their jobs.

The British communique, describing the naval surrender, gave no hint as to what lay in store for the surrendering naval mutineers who seized Royal Indian Navy vessels in Bombay harbor and barricaded themselves in Castle Barracks Thursday.