740.00/469: Telegram
The Consul in Charge at Calcutta (Groth) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—2:30 p.m.]
Referring to the Department’s circular telegram of September 27, 4 p.m., it is extremely difficult to predict what may be expected to happen in India in the event of a general European war because of the many conflicting elements involved.
Bengal Government officials do not contemplate any serious political difficulties in the event of war and stated definitely that adequate steps have already been taken to cope with any should they arise. Officials further stated that the only immediate effect of a general European [Page 78] war here would be the granting of wide powers to those in authority on the basis of a Defense of the Realm Act which would immediately bring into force certain regulations governing enemy shipping.
The Congress Working Committee which has been meeting in Delhi has thus far failed to make definite declaration of its attitude in the event of war and one is not expected to be made until the trend of European affairs becomes definitely known.
Opinion in Calcutta is to the effect that the conservative element in Congress would support Britain but only on the immediate fulfillment of promises which would be exacted leading to greater self-government or full Dominion status. The left wing of the Congress it is expected might endeavor to cause disturbances but these it is felt would not be long lived.
Indian National Congress High Command is faced with the paradox of having approved the party’s declaration of non-violence and non-cooperation with Great Britain in any imperialistic war but of having expressed strong sympathy for Czechoslovakia.
The Moslem League has offered its support as has the Premier [sic] of the Punjab from which Moslem province over 70% of the Indian army is recruited.
Many of the Princes have already offered the Government their full support.
So far as it is now possible to determine no special problems are likely to arise in the immediate future in connection with the protection of American citizens.
Consul General White now in Simla has been requested to ascertain views of Central Government, Bengal Government officials and these will be forwarded as soon as received.