shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.inshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/17137/10/10...held at various places such as Guhawati, Allahabad, Patna and Bombay. Leaders appealed to the public

CHAPTER V

WAR OF RESISTANCE AGAINST JAPAN (1937-1945) AND INDIA'S SUPPORT TO CHINA.

Japan's aggresston m China started with the September 18 incident of 1931

organised by the lower ranking officers of Kwangtung Army near Mukden in Manchuria

as a pretext to launch a military offensive. Encouraged by the easy victories of Nazism

and Fascism in Europe and their own victory in Manchuria, the Japanese troops overran

Shanghai in 1932 (known as Jan 28, incident). Soon after these incidents and in view of

Jiang Jieshi's (Chiang Kai-shek) weak response to the Japanese aggression, the

Communist Party of China (CPC) advocated the need of forming a united front against

Japan. Jiang had argued that defeat of the CPC had to take precedence over external

aggression. There were many demonstrations against the government on this account.

Despite pleas for a united front against the Japanese, Jiang was firm in his resolve to

finish the communists first and once for all. This job was entrusted to the North-eastern

army under Zhang Xueliang and North Western army under Yang Hucheng. Influenced

by the calls of forming a united front and being fed up with the civil war, these two

generals made Jiang a captive in Xian on Dec 12, 1936 and forced him to fight the

Japanese unitedly with all patriotic forces. The communists had also made a policy shift

from 'antijiang' to 'allying with Jiang against Japan'. After the mediation of CPC Jaing

agreed to the demand of a united front.

The formation of a united front against foreign aggression worried the Japanese

expansionists. However they were encouraged by their easy victories in Manchuria and

.. !22

the reluctance of western powers to deal with Japanese aggression in China. This enabled

the Japanese militarists act freely and as said earlier which culminated in the 'creation·

of Marcopolo Bridge (Lu gouqiao) incident on July 7, 1937. This incident marked the

beginning of large scale Japanese offensive in Chinese territory and the determination of

Chinese people to fight the aggressors till the end which came to them in 1945 with the

end of World War. The war lasted eight years (1937-1945) and led to the Japanese defeat

for the first time in its modem history.

Indian reaction

The Indian approach towards China was determined by the factors such as the

outlook of the people of India towards Pan-Asiatic movement and the Japanese invasion

of China. The political economic revolution which Japan was undergoing since Meiji

restorations left a great impact on the minds of Indian National leaders especially Japan's

victory over Russia in 1905. Even Gandhi was deeply impressed by the Japanese victory.

He wrote in 191 ". "when everyone in Japan, the rich as well as poor, come to believe in

self respect, the country became free. She could give Russian a slap in the face and today

Japan's flag flies very high in the world." He further said that we should also learn from

the Japanese example and attain freedom as he wrote." In the same way we too need to

feel the spirit of self respect. Having remained in bondage for a long time like a caged

parrot, we can not realize what honour and freedom are" 1 Therefore they saw in Japan

the way to the salvation of Asia. In 1917 Annie Besant the then President of Indian

CWMG, vol.5, Ahmadabad: 1973, p.43.

123

National Congress (INC) asserted that Pan-Asiatic Movement against imperialism \Vas a

part of the world democratic movement she further said that the swift changes in Japan.

the success of the Japanc~e empire against Russia. the down fall of the Manchu Dynasty

in China and the establishment of a Chinese republic the efforts at improvement in Russia

and finally the Russian revolution, had all entirely changed India's political environment

and outlook.2 The unity of Asian people gathered momentum after the world war came

to a close. An idea of Asiatic federation was brewing in the minds of Indian National

leaders. In 1922 C.K.Das declared if such a federation comes into being it was India's

sacred duty to join it"3 as it will bring world peace. In the following years other congress

presidents aired the same views. S.Srinivasa Aiyengar said that it was important to form

such a federation since a number of democracies had grown up in Asia. The federation

would make for the prosperity and freedom of Asia therefore he said it is for us to

seriously think of a federation of the Asiatic people for their common welfare. Dr. Ansari

also aired the same vie\\. he further said that a United Europe have been able to defeat

disunited Asia therefore "A United Asia must fight a United Europe".4

Japan being the only free and powerful Asian state. it provided base for the

nationalists of various Asian countries to launch their attack against imperialism in their

respective countries and provided all moral and material help to these nationalists and

2

3

4

Congress Presidclllial Addresses, 1911-1934 G. Nateson and co. Madras: undated p.311-312.

Ibid, pp.580.

Ibid, p.845.

124

championed the cause of Pan-Asiatic Movement. Most of the Asian countries \Vere quite

receptive of the idea of the Pan-Asiatic Movement led by Japan. Secondly the leaders of

Indian Freedom Movement were taking keen interest in the political developments in

various Asian Countries.

As soon as Japan had modernized its army and had initiated the industrialization

for the want of raw materials and expansion of their industries they decided to take on

Korea and China. Korea they annexed in 191 0 and in China started to have a foothold

when it took control of Jiaozhou (in Shndong Province) in the wake of world war when

it joined the Allies and declared war on Germany. Jiaozhou till then was under German

possession. It's designs to take on China became more evident when Japanese minister

Hioki Eki delivered twenty one point Demands to Yuan Shikai on January 18, 1915.

These envisaged Japanese control of Shndong, Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, the south east

coast of China and the Yangtse valley. The most sinister of all was employment of

Japanese advisor in Chinese political, financial, military and police administration. This

all resulted in anti-Japanese feeling in china as well as in other countries. To check the

Japanese advance Washington Conference was called in 1922 by which Nine powers

Japan being a signatory agreed to respect the sovereignty, the independence and the

territorial and administration integrity of china. But in 1931 it openly defied the treaty and

invaded Manchuria. In January I 932 it opened a second front in Shanghai bombed the

civilian population but was met with stiff resistance by the Nineteenth Route Army.

Meanwhile other powers including Britain supported Japanese claims and further signed

agreements. It was in this background that Indian people supported the Chinese cause and

125

condemned the Japanese for their unprovoked aggression in China.

China's all out resistance to Japan attracted world wide attention. specially suppon

and sympathy from the peoples of oppressed nations. India herself being in the abyss of

misery supported the cause of the Chinese people and rendered all possible support. This

was not the first occasion for India to help China and she had done it during 1925-1927

'support China movement'. In April 1927 Jawaharlal Nehru wrote an article entitled

"The situation in China and India's Duty' in The Volunteer in response to Dr. Hardikan·s

suggestion of Hindustan Seva Dal rendering some active help to China; Nehru wrote:

"Hope it will be possible for the Dal to send to China an ambulance corps of trained

volunteers, carrying the massage of goodwill to our Chinese comrades and rendering such

help as they can for the relief of pain and suffering. China is holding out her hand of

comradeship to India. It's for us to grasp it and renew our ancient and honourable

association and thereby ensure the freedom and progress of both these great countries

which has so much in common."5 In August 1937 Nehru made a statement to the press

on the question of British authorities dispatching Indian troops to Hongkong and

Singapore and declared emphatically that India cannot permit her armies and people to

be exploited to her own disadvantage and for the benefit of British imperialism. On the

question of Japanee aggression in China he said "our sympathies are inevitably with China

and we wish her people success in maintaining their freedom against imperialist

5 S. Gopal (ed.), Selected works of Jawaharlal Nehru (hereafter SWJN). vol. 2. p.327.

126

aggression".6 The League of Nations did nothing in China's favour except the fact of

not conceding the legality of the puppet state of Manchuguo (Manzhonguo) created b:

Japan in 1932 to give its aggression legitimacy in China. Japan was arrogant and

withdrew from the League. The League could have slapped international sanctions on

Japan, isolated it and thus stopped its aggression. Nehru severely criticized the League for

its inaction in China. He said "The war in China goes on undeclared in the approved

modem way but nevertheless is ruthless and accompanied by the slaughter of thousands

of human beings. Japanese aggression continues and the League of Nations, originally

founded to protect the rights of the people and to prevent aggression has become so

helpless and impotent that it dare not even discuss the urgent problems of the day, much

less take a decision on them". 7 In this regard Nehru particularly criticized Britain and

said that the League of Nations and its resolutions are manipulated by her and have joined

hands with the aggressor. Other Indian national leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and

Gandhi also sympathised with China. In June 1938 when Dr. Tan Yunshan went to China,

Bose sent a letter of message to the Chinese people in which he wrote, "I humbly request

you to convey once more to the Chinese people our deep affection and regard for them

and for their culture as also our profound sympathy for them in their struggle .... " Bose

was quite hopeful of China's victory against the Japanese imperialism, and he concluded

his letter with the words: "I have no doubt that China will emerge out of the present

ordeal chastened and rejuvenated and ready to take her rightful place in the comity of free

6

7

ibid, vol. 8, p. 612.

Ibid. vol. 8, p. 724.

127

nations"s

In order to express its solidarity with China India observed many China Days

against Japanese aggression. The first of its kind was observed on September 26. 1937.

Nehru in a press statement said on Sept 14, 1937, "I suggest that Sunday September 26.

should be observed as a special day for this purpose, when we should condemn the

Japanese aggression on China and send our full sympathy to the Chinese people."9

Meetings were held in this regard in various cities of the country, many resolutions

were passed condemning Japanese aggression and role played by the League of Nations.

It was also resolved that the Indian people will boycott Japanese goods. Meetings were

held at various places such as Guhawati, Allahabad, Patna and Bombay. Leaders appealed

to the public not to buy Japanese goods. Nehru said in a press statement in Sept, 1934,

"We must create the psychological atmosphere for such a boycott and each one of us, who

feels hurt at the suffering and the sorrow of China under Japanese aggression must avoid

purchasing Japanese goods .... Mere sympathy is not enough let us do this much more at

least to help the people of China in the hour of their trial and distress". 10 Thus started

the campaign for financial assistance for medical relief along with the boycott of Japanese

goods. On Nov. 26, 1937 Commander-in-Chief of the 8th Route Army, Zhu De

( 1886-1976) wrote to Nehru, expressing the gratitude of the Chinese people to India for

its support and sympathy rendered to China. It also apprised Indian people with the

9

10

Bose's Message to the Chinese People. Produced in China. India and the War, Calcutta: 1944, p. 71-72.

SWJN. op. cit., vol.8, p. 724 also see The Bombay Chronicle. September 15. I 937.

The Bombay Chronicle. Oct I. 1937.

128

Chinese situation and their determination to fight the aggressor till the end. He also asked

the Indian people to render material support. medical supplies etc. Zhu De wrote. " ... we

know that we are fighting not only the battle of the Chinese nation and the Chinese

people but are fighting the battle of the people of all Asia and that we are a part of the

world army for the liberation of oppressed nations and oppressed classes. It is with this

consciousness that we feel justified in asking you, one of the great leaders of the great

Indian people, to help us in our struggle by any and all means. 11 Zhu De also gave a

note of warning that if the Japanese were successful in subjecting China, none of the

people of Asia could gain their liberation for many years and perhaps decades. Therefore

he said "our struggle is your struggle." 12 Nehru received this letter on Dec 24,1937.

On the same day, in a press statement he introduced Zhu De to Indian people. He said,

"I have today received an appeal for help from Chu Teh (Zhu De) commander-in-chief,

Eigth Route Army, China. Chu Teh, it will be remembered was the chief of the famous

army which performed the prodigious feat some years ago of marching 8000 miles inspite

of almost insuperable difficulties. The feat is unequal in militJry annals." 13 In the same

statement he suggested that Sunday, Jan 9, be observed as another China Day throughout

India and that meetings be held and collection made for the purpose of helping the

Chinese with medical supplies. In his speech on China Day on Jan 9, 1938 in Allahabad

he said, "Japan is trying to secure domination and political influence over China which

II

12

13

Jawaharlal Nehru, A Bunch of Old Leflers, London: 1958, p.262.

Ibid. p. 262.

The Hindu. 25 Dec .. 1937, also see SWJN. vol.8, p.l33.

129

would mean the strangling of the Chinese aspirations for freedom. If we understand that

imperialism stands against the political emancipation of nations and if we also understand

that the victory of imperialism at one place is bound to have its influence over other

places we would surely extend our sympathies to the people of China." 14

In China Xinhua Ribao (New China Daily) carried a letter from one youngman

from Bengal under the headlines "The Great Sympathy". A certain Majumdar had written

to Zhu De: "We came to know from the report of our Congress President that you need

help in the battle field. Here in Bengal there are some young men who are willing to avail

themselves to your country." 15

India's Medical Mission in China

The bonds of culture and history have always brought the two Asian giants close

and had turned that into friendship. Their friendship rose to new heights when India

decided to despatch a team of doctors to help the Chinese people in their war against

Japan. In A 'tgust 1938 Nehru put forth fourfold tasks for India to be performed. the fourth

being "she (India) must pay to China till it pinches. The ancient friendship of the two

peoples of India and China must now be reinforced by the new 'camaraderie' of the two

freedom loving nations." 16 Finally at the request of Zhu De the commander-in-chief of

the Eight Route Army and other Kuomintang (KMT) officials. the Indian National

14

15

16

SW'JN, op. cit., vol. 8, p. 735, The Leader. 13 Jan, 1938.

Xinhua Ribao (New China Daily). April 16. 1938.

SW.!N, op.cit., vol.9, p.209.

130

Congress (INC) adopted at its 52nd session a resolution to send a medical mission to

China immediately and a special committee was also set up to collect funds and select

personnel for the mission. In an appeal to the people, the then Congress President. Subhas

Chandra Bose said, 'ever since the Japanese aggression in China began last year the

Indian National Congress has repeatedly expressed its sympathy for the Chinese people

in their struggle for freedom and peace.... I may remind my country men that it is

essential that our proposed medical aid should reach China as early as possible, on the

seventh of July when Japanese aggression started last year, would be an appropriate day

for wishing Bon Voyage to the Indian friends of China". 17 But, due to lack of Funds,

the mission could not start off to China in time. On June 30, 1938, Bose again made an

appeal to the people for collection of funds. July 7, 8 and 9 were fixed as China Fund

Days as he remarked. "These days are of great historical importance so far as the Chinese

people are concerned .... Let's not forget that we must collect a sum of Rupees twenty two

thousand on this occasion". 18 He said this in the view of the fact that one year of

medical expenses for the mission was calculated at Rs 32,000. The Congress had

already collected 8,000 for this purpose.

By the end of August, a team of five doctors was selected for this mission. They

were, Dr. M. Atal from Allahabad; leader of the mission, Dr. M. Cholkar from Nagpur.

Dr. Debesh Mukherjee and Dr. Bijoy Basu both from Calcutta; and Dr. D.S. Kotnis from

Sholapur. On September I, 1938, the mission left Bombay for China carrying with them

17

18

Bose, Subhas Chandra, Impression in Life, Lahore: 1947, p.184-86.

Selected Speeches of S C. Bose, New Delhi: 1983, p.88.

131

the friendship of the Indian people. On September 17, the mission landed on Chinese soil

in Guangdong Province (Canton). On 29th September the team reached Wuhan the seat

of Kuomintang government.

On October L I 938 the Wuhan Daily reported the arrivaL of Medical Mission in

• Wuhan. It said that the mission have brought along 54 boxes of medicine and one Bullet

proof ambulance etc. Immediately after arrival they have decided to go on work in 64

Rear Hospital. Yesterday Basu said in a press conference that when war broke out in

China he was in Spain in this spring, while in Paris and London happened to see some

Chinese personals, when he learned that China was in short of medical supplies and

needed help he requested the executive committee to give him an assignment in China.

Executive council agreed did some organising and preparatory work and that's why he

said they are in China today "He further said that at the time of departure, Gandhi told

them to work hard in China and convey this to the Chinese government that India will

continue to dispatch medical mission to China as long as it fights the Japanese." 19

At last eager as they were to get their assignments in the services of the Chinese

people, they got it. Basu and Cholkar were sent to No. 64 Rear HospitaL while AtaL

Kotnis and Mukherjee \Vere sent to another army hospital. After their arrival in Wuhan.

the New China Daily reported: "The Indian Medical Mission have carried with them

sympathy of oppressed nations for our national independence in the War of Resistance.

they have also brought with them many emergency medical supplies and shall engage

19 Peng Ming ( comp ), Zhongguo Xiandaishi Zilio Xuanji (collected Materials on Chinese Modern History) vol.5, Part-I, Beijing: 1993. p.646.

132

themselves in rescue \Vorks in China all along till we attain final victory m War of

Resistance .... This is indeed moving and profound sympathies for which our gratitude

must go!" 20

On September 30. leaders of Chinese Communist Party including Dong Biw1.1

(1885-1975) and Ye Jianying (1897-1986) held a banquet at Sichuan Hotel in honour of

the mission. Dr. Basu writes about this banquet is his diary, "It was truly an international

gathering, into the spirit of which we are for the first time invited. The differences of the

language, of colour didn't affect in any way the close proximity of hearts and intimacy

of feelings, what a dry contrast with the dry wooden atmosphere we experienced with the

KMT officials ... as we came back to the southern mission late at night we felt a longing

to be with the Eighth Route Army at the Shanxi front heroically fighting the Japanese

directed by General Zhu De and comrade Mao Zedong. "21 On Oct. 1 the CPC and the

Eighth Route Army again gave a reception to the mission in their office at Wuhan. Kai

Feng on behalf of Central Committee of CPC made a welcome speech. He said: "In the

past we !:we welcomed many delegates and international friends who have come to aid

China such as French, English and American etc. They were the representatives of free

nations, but this time it is different for we are welcoming an Aid China delegation which

has come from the oppressed nation." "China and India two largest nations of the East,

at the sametime two have been subject to long term oppression. If China and India can

20

21

Xinhua Ribao (New China Daily), Oct. I, 1938.

Sheng Xiangong, (et. al.) An Indian Freedom Fighter in China, Foreign Language Press, Beijing: 1983, p.21.

133

resort to intimate cooperation. it not only will enable them to liberate themselves but w!ll

also enable other oppressed nations of the East to attain freedom." Dr. Atal said in his

speech: "Today I salute my Chinese brethren for their heroic resistance to Japan. Don't

see that we are just five ... we have been sent by Indian National Congress in the war of

Resistance. "22 Next day the entire staff of New China Daily held a reception in honour

ofthe Indian Medical Mission. The Director of the Press Fan Zenian said: "At seeing the

five representatives of Indian people who share bitter hatred of the enemy same as we,

this gives us a different feeling of reassurance and happiness. "23

The Koumintang (KMT) government had abandoned Guangzhou (Canton) and

Wuhan by the end of October. The team of five doctors moved to Yichang in Western

Hubei province. From Oct 22 to November 16 they spent 26 days in Yichang working in

the No.I Military Base Hospital and the No 86 Red Cross Hospital. This city was also

bombed and the mission withdrew to Chongqing. The entire medical mission was not

happy with the Kuomintang officials. They had gone there to serve the Chinese people

as long as they could but the attitude of the KMT disappointed them. Therefore the

mission showed their interest to go to Yanan and serve the Eighth Route Army where

they were most needed but the KMT turned down their request. Basu writes in his diary.

" We are in a somewhat delicate situation in this drab city ( chongqing) and in our

relations with the philistine officials."24

22 Xinhua Ribao, (New China, Daily), Oct.2, 1938.

Ibid, Oct.2, 1938.

An Indian Freedom FiKhter in China. op. cit. p. 26.

134

Y a nan's appeal to foreigners

Edgar snow was the first westerner who promoted the Chinese communists to the

status of a dynamic and true marxist revolutionaries and asserted it was the communism

of indigenous variety. He broke the Kuomintang blockade and entered the communist area

in July 1936. After entering the communist areas he portrayed them as austere and

patriotic and the Nationalists as corrupt and unreliable.

The feeling towards the nationalists and liking the communists was shared by most

of the foreigners. The former represented "old China"- inert, decadent, selfish, suffering.

indifferent to the common people, poor, inhumanitarian, and nepotistic and the latter

represented "New China" -- hopeful, young, efficient, vigorous, spartan and

enthusiastic.25 Various visitors and correspondents like Brooks Atkinson, T.A. Bisson,

Agnes Smedley , Edgar Snow, Gunther Stein, Anna Louise Strong, Theodore H. White

and many others visited Y anan and reported on the communist activities. Most of these

visitors differentiated the Nationalists and the Communists as feudal and democratic

respectively.

The Indian medical mission was no different case. After coming into contact with

the communist leaders like Dong Biwu. Y e Jianying and Zhou Enlai they found in them.

"the close proximity of hearts and intimacy of feelings" in 'contrast with the 'dry

wooden atmosphere' they experienced with the Kuomintang officials. The mission

requested several times their desire to go to Yanan and serve the Eighth Route Army as

25 Hsu ICY. The Rise of Modern China, Oxford University Press, New York: 1990. p. 595.

135

it was also a national revolutionary army formed in August 19.3 7 in the wake of the

formation of the United National Front. But their repeated requests were turned down. and

finally after the intervention of Health Minister Dr. F.C Yan. arrangements were made

for their journey to Yanan. On January 22, 1939 the mission started off to Yanan from

Xian and reached Yanan on Feb 12, after a rigorous journey of 20 days.

On Feb 14 after their arrival in Y anan, a grand welcoming meeting was held. Mao

Zedong was also present. Wang Ming made a welcome speech in which he said. "The

Central committee of CPC warmly salutes our international friends. India's aid to China

of a medical mission is of great international importance. It's expression not only lies in

the sympathy and support of all peace loving people and oppressed people for our country

but also shows the united resistance of weaker nations against the cruel fascists. "26 The

official newspaper of CPC published an editorial entitled "Welcoming our international

friends" on the same day. The editorial said, "the long arduous journey of our Indian

friends with all hardships and difficulties have brought the great sympathies of

internationalists and have earnestly exhibited the alliance of two great peoples of India

and China. Especially the encouragement and material or moral help rendered by Indian

people for us in the War of Resistance, for which we extend our endless respects and

thanks for them. "27

The medical miSSIOn spent a few days visiting army and government units.

hospitals and schools and then were assigned their jobs. Atal, Kotnis and Basu were

26 Xin Zhonghua Bao (New China Daily), Fab 6. 1939.

Ibid, Fab. 16. 1939.

136

assigned to the model hospital of Eighth Route Army located in Guaimao 17.5 kilometres

from Yanan, Dr Mukherji in the health department and Dr. Cholkar was assigned to the

Medical School. The entire team worked selflessly in service of the Chinese people.

Unfortunately due to health reasons Dr. Cholkar and Mukherji returned to India in May

and August respectively. Dr. Atal returned in February 1940. On Dec 29, Dr. Mukherji

left for China again enroute Rangoon with medical supplies but was arrested and the

supplies were confiscated by the British authorities. Now only Kotnis and Basu were left

in China. On Oct 13, 1940 both received a cable from Mao Zedong asking them to

consider going back to India as letters and cables from the China Aid committee, the

Indian National Congress reminded them about their term in China. Dr. Kotnis decided

to stay back when he said to a leading comrade of the border region that, "The cause of

the War of Resistance led by Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party is a great

one and I have fallen in love with it and the base areas. I want to fight with you shoulder

to shoulder in weal and woe. "28

Dr. Kotnis, the symbol of Sino-Indian friendship

The responsibilities fell more on. Kotnis when he was made head of the Bethune

International Peace Hospital in Shanxi-Qahar Hebei Military Region. Though exceedingly

busy with, administrative and medical work he used to hoe in order to produce food for

himself with his own hands as every body including Mao Zedong used to do. In those

hard days it was common practice and everybody had to work. In a letter addressed to

28 An Indian Freedom Fighter in China, op. cit.p.86.

137

Basu v,;ho was at Yanan on Jan 4, 1942, Kotnis apprised him of his work since he took

over as Director ofthe hospital. He wrote, "By virtue ofmy being the head of the hospital

I had to take part in the executive work, which. in addition to my looking after the

surgical beds, keeps me pretty busy. My medical work consists of looking after the

surgical patients, performing operations and helping students in practical study in the

operation theatre. We do on an average two operations a day, and consequently the transit

of patients in the hospital is pretty great. During the whole year we did about 430 surgical

operations, which included 45 amputations, 20 hernias, 35 lumbar and presacral para

sympathectomies, 3 intestinal anastomoses and a few gynaecological operations. This in

short is the work I am doing here."29

In 1941 there was distress from all quarters. The Japanese intensified their attack

and the KMT reversed the policy of resistance to non-resistance again. In Jan 1941, over

9000 officers and men ofNew Fourth Army were ambushed by 80,000 strong KMT and

were totally annihilated. This came as a shock to everybody. Dr. Basu and Kotnis's will

to stay on in China was strengthened and they vowed to face the situation together with

CCP. Soon after the incident, Basu met Mao Zedong and reported their decision to stay

back in China. He wrote in his diary. "I met Chairman Mao to report our joint decision.

I exchanged several wireless messages with Kotnis. He agreed to stay and work in the

Bethune Medical School and International Peace Hospital at the Shanxi Qaher-Hebei

border region. He also approved the idea of my staying at Yanan and working in the

surgical section of the health department of the Eighth Route Army. The treacherous

29 Ibid. p.I26.

138

New Fourth Army incident had just been provoked by the KMT. The whole nation \vas

enraged and gloomy. Bitter days are ahead. Both Kotnis and myself decided to t~1ce

boldly the situation alongside our comrades of the Eighth Route Army and the Chinese

Communist Party" 30 Dr. Kotnis also expressed similar views in a meeting of the army

and people convened by the Third Military sub region of Shanxi-Qahar Hebei Border

Region in Zhang Gezhuang. He said "Now our anti-Japanese war has reached another

stage and a lot of changes have taken place both at home and abroad. Our border regions

have shrunk, our army has been reduced and our struggle has become more difficult, but

can this scare us? No, absolutely not! The enemy's policy of, 'nibbling away' our territory

burning all, killing all and looting all." and the ridiculous policy of 'political recantation'

can not shake our determination. I pledge to fight shoulder to shoulder with you until

fascism is defeated !"31

Dr. Kotnis's heart was closely linked with the hearts of the Chinese people, and

he never gave any thought to himself. Heavy day and night work, lack of rest made him

a victim of epilepsy and eventually took his life on Dec 9, 1942. When he died Kotnis

was only 32. On December 18, 1942 people sang the following solemn elegy in front of

a portrait of Dr. Kotnis.

30

31

You came from the shores of the warm Indian Ocean to brave the cold of North

China,

You fought five autumns in China, For the world of tomorrow,

Ibid, p. 13 1.

Ibid, p.l32.

139

Alas ! at the end of a long night the fountain of your life ran dry.

Oh. comrade Kotnis, our beloved. Your image will always be with us. and

Your memory will live forever in our hearts.

On Dec 30, the people in Yanan held a memorial ceremony in honour of Dr.

Kotnis. Mao wrote an elegy in memory of Kotnis which read: "Dr. Kontnis our Indian

friend came to China from afar to assist in our War of Resistance. He worked for five

years in Yanan and North China, giving medical treatment to our wounded soldiers and

died of illness owing to constant overwork. The army has lost a helping hand, the nation

has lost a friend. Let's always bear in mind his internationalist spirit."32 Zhu De, the

Commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army attended the memorial ceremony and

delivered a speech and in addition he wrote an article entitled "In memory of Dr. Kotnis".

He Wrote, "Dr.Kotnis has laid down his life for the anti-fascist war and for the liberation

of the Chinese and Indian nations. He will be buried in the Chinese soil by the side of

thousands of our martyrs and his spirit will always live in the hearts of the Chinese

people. Our soldiers will take up his positions and continue to fight for the liberation

of the Chinese and Indian peoples till the final victory. "33

Later in April, 1943 Dr. Basu also returned to India. Mao Zedong wrote a letter

and asked Dr. Basu to deliver it to Dr. Kotnis's brother. He wrote, "In most difficult

days during our anti Japanese war, when we were badly in need of medical personnel and

32

33

An Indian Freedom Fighter in China, op. cit, p.l74.

ibid, p.175.

140

equipment, your brother came to our country and has done a lot of humanitarian work for

our people .. "In the anti- Japanese bases in the rear. I worked quite a long time with your

brother. Therefore I consider myself to have the right to regard your brother as my closest

comrade-in-arms. Today though your brother, who was so dear to my heart is no longer

with us, his devotion to duty and his great courage in overcoming hardships and

difficulties will always remain in my mind. Your brother will live in the hearts of the

revolutionary Chinese people forever". 34 Mao Zedong ·and Zhu De wrote jointly to the

Indian National Congress expressing their sorrow over the death of Dr. Kotnis while

upholding his internationalist spirit and the resolve of India and China fighting the

imperialists and the fascists unitedly. The letter reads. "Now that final victory in the

world wide anti fascist war is being striven for, we hope that the two great nations of

India and China will be more closely united than ever before, so as to fight alongside

other anti-fascist countries to smash fascism and liberate all the people who are under the

fascist yoke, and at the same time to liberate the Indian and Chinese nations and win

independence for these two great nations. "35 Zhou Enlai and Song Qingling also wrote

separately to Dr Kotnis' family expressing sorrow over his death while hailing the

contribution he made to the Chinese people.

Nehru's China visit

Nehru looked at China as India's natural ally. Among foreign countries China

34

35

ibid, p.49.

ibid, p.175.

141

drew his utmost attention and that was why China found maximum coverage m his

writings and works. He longed for every news from this great country. After Japan's

invasion on China, he at once condemned Japan's undeclared war and atrocities

perpetrated by the aggressor on the innocent Chinese people. It was his desire to see the

Chinese people resisting the Japanese in the hour of trial and suffering with his own eyes,

and convey the support and sympathy of Indian people to the Chinese people personally.

After sending the Indian Medical Mission to China, Mao Zedong had thanked the

Indian National Congress in his letter of May 24, 1939, and expressed "pleasure and

privilege of receiving the mission and praised their spirit of sharing hardships with

Eighth Route Army which Mao said left a profound impression on all who come in touch

with them"36 Nehru replied to Mao on July 11, 1939 in which he wrote: "We wish that

we could have offered you some help in the vast undertaking in which you are engaged.

But, as you know we ourselves are struggling for our freedom and our energy is taken up

by the struggle." Despite the fact that he was most needed at home, it was here in this

letter Nehru expressed his wish to visit China. He wrote: "It's my earnest wish to visit

China and to convey personally to the Chinese people the good wishes of the people of

India. There is just a possibility of my going to China for a brief period at the end of

August or in September if the international situation permits it. In the event of my going

there, I shall look forward with great pleasure to meet you and paying my homage to the

men of the 8th Route Army. "37 The entire world at that time was at the brink of war.

36

37

A Bunch of Old Letters. op. cit, p.386.

SWJN, op.cit, vol.l 0. p.75.

142

India itself was in turmoiL but Nehru was firm as he put it: "I go to China because China

is the symbol of today of magnificent courage in the struggle for freedom. l)r

determination which has survived untold miseries and unparalleled disaster. of unity

before a common foe. I go to her with my homage and my greetings. "3x With this

determination he left for China in August 1939 carrying with him the profound feelings

of Indian people for the Chinese. He reached Kunming on Aug 22, 1939. The purpose

of his visit he said was: "to forge an alliance between the Indian and Chinese nations and

enable the movements of independence of the Indian and Chinese people to establish

intimate contacts. "39

The KMT government considered his visit very important and formed a reception

committee of 193 people. He was to be treated as a state guest. Prior to his arrival in

China, the visit was given good publicity and various newspapers published articles

introducing him and the struggle carried on by him in India for its independence. Yunnan

Daily in an editorial hailed him the 'greatest leader of the Indian masses'. It further said.

"He has been endeavouring throughout his life for the emancipation of India from the

British authority."40 The New China Daily in an editorial also hailed Nehru as "the

close friend of Chinese nation". It further said "since the War of Resistance. he is the first

to come to China in the capacity of the leader of a freedom movement from an oppressed

country and personally expounded close unity between the two. His China visit shows

38

39

40

ibid, p.82.

Xinhua Ribao, (New China Daily), September 5, 1939.

Yunnan Rihao. (Yunnan Daily). August 14. 1939.

!43

that the entire Indian nation is sympathising with us in our War of Resistance." 41

On arrival in Chongqing many leading officials and other people came to sec'

Nehru. At four in the afternoon of 23rd August an impressive array of 193 organisations

offered him welcome. Mr. Wu Zhuihui made the welcome speech. He said: "to

sympathise and support us in our War of Resistance, Mr. Nehru had taken an arduous

journey crossing mountains and rivers and has come to the war capital Chongging, we

extend our deep and heart felt affection to him. Our War of Resistance is for our survival

but at the same time it is also for the happiness of East Asia as well as for World

peace .... the sympathy and support rendered by India to us has deeply moved the people

of China. We believe that Nehru after witnessing China's war of Resistance will call on

Indian people with even greater propensity for their active and realistic action and help

us in crushing the Japanese imperialism the enemy of East-Asia." In his reply Nehru said:

"China, this great country indeed is the place I longed for and wanted to know about for

many years. China's history and culture is equally old and long like India. My visit to

your country's war capital may find some importance in the history of India and China

in future. I am of the conviction that we could create an ideal tomorrow treading on the

footsteps of the past."42 He was confident that China's War of Resistance was bound to

be victorious and linked it with India's happiness as he went on to say, "China's victory

is India's happiness." In Chongqing Nehru met some senior leaders of KMT like

Jiangjieshi, Kong Xiangxi, the Prime Minister, Zhu Jiahua Secretary General of Central

41

42

Xinhua Ribao, (New China Daily), August 24, 1939.

Zhongyang Ribao, (Central Daily), August 24, 1939.

144

KMT. Wang Longhui the Foreign Minister. Among the top leaders of Communist Party

in Chongqing General Ye Jianying of Eighth Route Army. Wang Ming. Qin Bangxian.

Lin Zujun and Wu Yuzhang paid visits to Nehru. Apart from thanking India for having

sent a medical mission to China they apprised Nehru of the Eighth Route Army and the

work it was doing apart from its military activities. The leaders also exchanged views on

the ongoing freedom movement of India. On August 24, Nehru made a broadcast from

Chongqing in which he said: "I have come here with a message of sympathy from India.

I came to know that the Chinese are fighting with grit for their freedom. What I

witnessed after reaching here has further convinced me in my heart. The Chinese have

proved that they are a proud race whatever the problem, they can grin and bear it.

Forgetting their own petty quarrels they unitedly face the enemy. In India we can learn

a lot from this. "43 On 29th he compiled a very important document regarding

Sino-Indian relations entitled "A Note on the Development of Contacts between China and

India". He thought it extremely important as he asserted that there was amazing similarity

of problems between India and China. In the note Nehru made certain suggestions

intended to enhance the contacts between two countries and learn from the experiences

of each other. He suggested seven points in this regard, these being :

1.

2.

..,

.).

4.

Need to organise an efficient system and regulate service of information between the two countries. Exchange of experts for the purpose of studying the development of cottage industries, cooperative and agrarian problems of each side. Exchange of scholars and students . Establishing direct contact between the ongoing freedom movements in both the countries.

SWJN, op. cit., vol, 10. p.IOI.

145

5. Delegates from China can attend the annual session of INC. 6. Common outlook and policy on some major international issues. 7. Direct contact between the specialised organisations in India and China

e.g. Industrial cooperative in China may get into direct touch with All India Village Industries Associations.

Nehru gave these proposals to Zhu Jiahua for KMT' s perusal: Jiang Jieshi

approved the proposals. Later on, on the basis of these proposals the KMT formulated a

document called "An outline of the measures of Sino-Indian Cooperation". On Nov. 11.

1939 on behalf of central committee of KMT Zhu Jiahua apprised Nehru of this in a letter

and almost agreed to all the proposals made by Nehru during his China visit. In due

course of time these measures were put into practice. This was one of the greatest

achievement of Nehru's China visit.

While in Chongqing Nehru got a letter from Mao Zedong who invited him to

Yanan. Mao also thanked India for sending the Medical mission to China. Nehru's dreams

to visit Y anan remained unfulfilled as he was summoned back to India immediately due

to outbreak of the World War II. He gave three reasons why he would like to go to

Yanan, firstly, his wish to see the Indian Medical Mission there, secondly, pay visit to

various leaders at Yanan and thirdly as he put it, I won't be able to understand China

unless I go to Yanan and observe the political situation there". It was sad that he could

not visit the brave leaders of Eighth Route Army. Finally he said: "Indian and Chinese

people have a common road and goal. It is my earnest desire that two great nations India

and China should forge even more intimate unity". 44

44 Xinhua Ribao (New China Daily), Sept.5, 1939.

146

Rabindranath Tagore's China Visit

Tagore was not an unknown name to China. The Chinese people have studies him

and his works alike. There was a 'Tagore craze' in China which reached its zenith \vhen

the poet visited china in 1924. It was in 1915 through Chen Duxiu's (1879-1942) Xin

Qingnian (New Youth) that Tagore's works were first introduced to the Chinese people.

In 1915 October issue of New Youth, Chen translated some of Tag ore's poems and

published these on it. He briefly drew a life sketch of Tagore as well. In 191 7 some short

stories including Kabuliwalla appeared on Funu Zazhi (Women Magazine) After 1920

apart from poems, his short stories, plays, speeches etc appeared on different magazines

and papers. Such as Xiaoshuo Yuebao (Novel Monthly) Dongfang Zazhi (Eastern

Miscellany) Wenxue Zhoubao (Literature weekly) Chenbao (Morning Post) etc. From

1920-1925 almost all important works of Tagore including 'Gitanjli' were already

translated into Chinese language.

There were reason for this 'Tagore Craze' in China. Firstly in 1912 when Gitanjali

was translated in English and published, it had an electrifying effect in Europe. In 1913

he was awarded Nobel prize for literature thus making him the only person from the East

to have this honour. Tagore's philosophy filled the vacuum in Europe as it spread

Universal love, self emancipation, spiritualism, idealism etc. This had its affects as well

as in China. Secondly the New Literary Movement which was going on in China provided

a platform for the foreign literature to be translated into Chinese. Though full of mystery

and contradiction Tagore advocated patriotism, and opposed colonialism and feudalism.

Since May 4th movement was anti-colonial and patriotic movement of the Chinese people

147

Tagore's advocacy fitted \veil into it therefore all the importance for his works to be

translated. With this background in 1923 Tagore vvas invited by Liang Qichao

( 1873-1929) President of the Universities Lecture Association of Peking to deliver a

course of lectures in China. T a gore left India on the 21st March 1924 at the age of 64 and

reached Shanghai on the 12th April. After staying there for a week he went to Nanjing

on the 20th and reached Peking on 23rd. He stayed in Peking almost for a month. On the

20th May he left Peking for Taiyuan, stayed for two days and reached Hangzhou on 25th

and Shanghai on 28th. He left China for India on 29th May, thus stayed in China for 50

days.

When he reached shanghai on 12th April he was warmly received by the Literary

Study Society, Shanghai Youth Society and Jiangsu Education Society etc. He delivered

many lectures and hailed centuries old relations between India and China. He won the

hearts of Chinese people who held him in great esteem as a poet and philosopher. But at

the same time a few criticized him as they thought that his China visit had some definite

'political background' ; of course these doubts were baseless as we know that his visit

was not at all politically motivated. Sun Yatsen had already extended an invitation to

Tagore and had written,"! would have an opportunity to welcome a personality who have

made great contribution to the Indian literature and the one who had endeavoured to

achieve the happiness and spirtual culture for humanity, for me it is really a rare

opportunity to meet such a personage."45 It was a rare opportunity and matter of great

importance so far the literary world was concerned. Secondly Tagore's feelings of

45 Bejing Ribao (Beijing Daily) November 29, 1981.

!48

patriotism and nationalism found much appeal in the hearts of the Chinese people. Thirdly

the visit of this great personality to China certainly was seen as an impetus for the

Sino-Indian relations.

When Tagore reached Peking on the 25th April he was accorded a formal

reception. Liang Qichao made a welcome speech. In his speech Liang gave a brief history

of India-China interference. He said, "we are welcoming Tagore in the same spirit as

when more than one thousand years ago people of Lu Shan welcomed Chang Ti". Then

he compared the visits exchanged by our two people and the advent of Europeans to Asia.

He said, "Why they (Europeans) have come to us ? They have come coveting our land

and our wealth. They have offered us in presents cannon balls dyed in human blood; their

factories manufacture goods and machines which daily deprive our people of their crafts

but the two brothers (india and China) were not like that in the days gone by we were

both devoted to the cause of the universal truth."46 Speaking on the importance of

Tagore's visit Liang said, "Ravindranath Tagore is as important to us as Asvaghosh who

wrote the life of Buddha was in ancient days and we hope the influence he is going to

exert on China will not in anyway be inferior to that of Kumarajiva and Changti." His

concluding remarks were. There should be a warm spirit of co-operations between India

and China and if we can avail this occasion to renew the intimate relationship which we

had with India and to establish a really constructive scheme of cooperation then our

46 Liang Qichao in, Talks in China, Lectures delivered by Tagore in China Yishva Bharati: 1925, pp.5-6.

149

welcome to Rabindranath Tagore will have real significance."47 In response Tagore said.

"My friends have asked you to re-open the channel of communion which I hope is still

there, for though overgrown with weeds of oblivion on its lines can still be traced I shall

consider myself fortunate if through this visit, China comes nearer to J ndia and India to

China for no Political or Commercial purpose but for disinterested human love and for

nothing else. "48

Though both sides aspired for friendly cooperation constructive relationship.

Tagore could not escape criticism from different quarters. It becomes important in this

context to analyse the socio-political developments during this time. During this period

of time; at literary stage a bitter struggle was going on between the radicals who had

initiated the New Literary Movement and the conservatives who wanted to restore the old

order. The latter was a clique of Xueheng Pai, jiayanpai and Xuenxuepai. These three

sects were prominently led by Hu Xiansu, Mei Guangdi and Wurni of Xueheng, Zhang

shizhao ofjiayan and Zhangjunli etc of Xuanxue respectively. All three sects attacked the

New Literary Movement and spread of Marxism in China. Therefore, the traditionalists

attempted to use Tagore's idealism for their own advantage. As a result the radicals while

attacking the conservatives also attacked Tagore. In the words of Dai Ying "Tagore as a

person should not be criticised but as it is obvious that there is a possibility of his being

used by others, we cant but add a few words of criticism against him ... If I am doing so

47

48

Talks in China, op cit pp.20-21.

ibid. p.64.

!50

today that is to criticise the thoughts of mataphisicsts. "49

For people who criticized Tagore criticized his philosophy of idealism, spiritual

freedom and his advocacy of 'eastern civilization' they considered these ideas of him in

parallel. with the 'national essence'. 'harmony' and 'respect Confucius and read classics·

etc advocacies propounded by the conservatives.

Hao Qiubai another critic ofTagore said that Tagore's urge to invader to 'abandon

their invasion' was an illusion precisely because the bourgeois class of Britain is no parent . class of India, apart from thoroughly exploiting India they do not have any other

responsibility."50 Yet another writer Zemin wrote "the mistake of Tagore lies in that he

has hatched a concept of God and is not willing to part with it and is of the illusion that

'spirit' can develop independently by breaking away from all material conditions."51 The

writer was criticising Tagore for his advocacy of spiritual freedom and the emancipation

of the individual from his own self which infact is the Hindu Philosophy to attain Moksa.

Another writer Yanbing observed that Tagore's advocacy of 'eastern civilization' was

going back to the Confucian day's. therefore, he said. " At a time when China is under

the oppression of domestic warlords and foreign imperialists only way out is, a revolution

of Chinese nation, in this context Tagore's advocacy of 'eastern civilization' in practice

is to 'eulogise the Five Classics and retreat of the forces." 52 Tagore like Gandhi had

49 Minguo Ribao (Minguo Daily) April 19, 1924.

50 Xiang Dao (The Guide) April 3, 1924.

51 Zhongguo Qingnian (China Youth), April 19, 1924.

52 Minguo Ribao (Minguo Ribao (Minguo Daily) April 14, 1924.

151

defied violence. To him reliance on power was the characteristic of barbarism. and nations

that trusted to it have already been destroyed or have been remained barbarous. Therefore

he preached, even at the cost of martyrdom and insult and suffering we must continue to

believe in peace and love and kindness and idealism. 53

From the above criticism of Tagore it is clear that the writer misinterpreted

Tagore's ideals to his own advantage they saw the negative aspects of his advocacies.

never studied the positive side of it. They did not make an attempt to separate Tagore

from the conservatives in China. On the other hand side the right wing bourgeois and the

conservative~ while welcoming Tagore attempted to use his 'universal love' 'spiritualism·

and 'idealism' to obstruct the ongoing revolutionary literary tide. Tagore was aware of

these developments in China he himself had witnessed such developments in India as he

mention to the Reform Movement the Literary Revolution in Bengal initiated by Bakim

Chandra Chatterjee and the National Movement in his auto-biographical address in

Beijing. Therefore he knew as he says "ideas cause movement and all movements forward

they consider to be a menace against their ware house security."54 Tagore's advocacies

never meant going back to the days of 'Rishis' and 'Munis' but to uphold the essence of

the eastern civilization while going modern. He was aware of the advance the west had

made in the field of science and technology therefore in order to make it clear he said in

one of his speech in China "that we should borrow science from the west is right. We

have a great thing to accept from the people of the west their treasure of intellect which

53

54

ibid, p.76.

Talks in China, op cit, p.25.

1.:;:') JL..

is immense and whose superiority we must acknowledge but it would be degradation on

our part and an insult to our ancestors if we forget our own moral wealth of wisdom. "5)

It was this vision of Tagore which was misunderstood and misinterpreted by his critis.

However. he was aware of this criticism. He has mentioned about it in his various

speeches while in China in one of such speech he says "I even heard some were opposed

to my coming because it might check your special modern enthusiasm for western

progress"56 He mentioned the same thing inf his farewell speech when he said, "Some

of your patriots were afraid that earring spiritual contagion, I might weaken your vigorous

faith in money and materialism. I assure you those who thus feel nervous that I am

entirely in offensive, I am powerless to impair their career of progress. I am certain that

they will forgive me when they know the result"57

Despite of this criticism he found his place in the heart of the Chinese people and

found most intimate friends in them. In his farewell speech he said, "this is a gathering

of intimate friends. I have never been so happy nor so closely in touch with any other

people, as I have been with you. Some I feel as though I had known all my life. "58

55

56

57

58

Talks in China, op.cit, p.67.

ibid. p.73.

ibid. p.ll9-120.

ibid. p.ll3.

153

Tagore and the \Var of Resistance

Tagore was an ardent lover of eastern civilization. Japan being the only strong and

free nation in Asia, Tagore was of the view that Japan would come to the rescue of other

oppressed nations in Asia. His attitude underwent a change when he visited Japan in 1916

and saw that like other western powers Japan also wanted to expand its political power

and he saw it as an "obstinate, anti foreign, suspicious and inhumane" Japan. Tagore

visited Japan for the third and last time in 1929. He was welcomed in Japan. But he

sorely disappointed nay antagonised, his hosts by refusing to criticize the Americans and

further by condemning Japan's misuse of power in Korea and their contemptuous attitude

towards the Chinese ... At a meeting arranged by some members of the Japanese Foreign

office, he literally rebuked the dreaded Toyama for their arrogant militarism. He said in

disgust there that he would never visit Japan again and he kept his word59 Tagore had

warned Japan against coming of a 'duststorm of arrogance' in the wake of Japan's sudden

political and economic success. In 1924, in one of speech he said it with reference to

Japan in China. He had said that pride would 'generate a blind trust in ones exclusive

mind and would cause isolation, at the same time will "sow the seeds of its own

destruction".60 Tagore intensified his attack against Japan when they engineered

September 18, incident in Mudken. On April 12, 1936 he said in a meeting in Calcutta,

"The Heroic Abyssian and Chinese people are engaged in life and death struggle with

their enemies. I am confident that they will attain final victory in this struggle". He further

59

60

Stephen N. Hay, Asian Ideas of East and West, Bombay: 1970, pp.318-19.

Talks in China, op. cit. pp.65-6.

!54

said: "We the people of India share their sufferings and together with the Chinese people

will fight shoulder to shoulder and defeat the aggressor."

Soon after the Marcopolo Bridge incident of July 7. 1937 he sent a telegram to Cai

Yuanpei, the President of Sino-Indian Study Society of China on September 21 and

conveyed the sympathy and support of Indian people to the Chinese and wished that

China would exhibit its great strength of justice and humanism in their victory. Tagore

wrote, "I have been admiring the heroic resistance of your people to the unwarranted

invasion of your great and peaceful land and praying for your victory. My sympathy and

the sympathy of our people is wholly with your country". Next month he wrote an article

in Amrit Baiar Patrika and condemned the Japanese bombardment of peaceful Chinese

cities. In the article he also supported the movement of Indian boycott of the Japanese

goods. When the Indian National Congress gave a call to boycott Japanese goods and

donations for sending medical relief to China in 1938 Tagore took the lead by donating

500 Rupees and collected over 5000 Rupees in Shantiniketan. His gesture was appreciated

by Nehru who replied to him in a telegram on Jan 9, 1938 which said, "your telegram

announcing your generous donation for the China Relief Fund came last night. It gives

me great pleasure. Apart from the sum itself, the lead you have been, and are giving in

regard to China has been of inestimable value to us. "61

While in China in 1924, Tagore had said in a speech that "I (He) have had no

opportunity to be intensely desperately earnest about your most serious problems ... but its

true that I have not had that opportunity I have missed it at the same time I hope that

61 SWJN, op.cit., vo1.8, p.734.

!55

some thing has been done that some path has been opened which others may follow and

along this path I also hope that some of you will find your way to lndia." 6~ Now Tagore

had found this opportunity to help the people of China earnestly who were in the abyss

of misery after the Japanese invasion. The path was opened for Sino-Indian interference

and many Chinese really found the way to India. This resulted in the foundation of China

Hall in Shantiniketan which further acted as a cultural bridge between India and China.

When the foundations of this Hall were laid down Tagore was happy to see his dream

coming true it was in this context that he said, "Let's see how would the British

imperialists and Japanese militarists stop the wheel of time ? He had said that the invader

wanted to destroy the centuries old intimate interference between India and China as they

were aware that what does it imply if these two countries are united. 63 It was after this

new opening that people like prof Tan Yunshan, Weifengjiang and Ze~g Shengti came

to India stayed here for a long period and acted as cultural ambassadors between India and

China.

In April 1938 Tagore wrote a letter. "To the people of China" in which he

condemned Japan's carefully planned aggression on China in strongest terms and

sympathised with China. He wrote, "Your neighbouring nation which is largely indebted

to you for the gift of your cultural wealth and therefore should naturally cultivate your

comradeship for its own ultimate benefit has suddenly developed a virulent infection of

62

63

Talks in China, op.cit., p.I13.

Wei Fenjiang, Wade Laoshi Tai Ge 'er (My Tutor Tagore) Guizhou Publishing House. Guizhou: 1986. p.I29-30.

156

imperialist rapacity imported from west and turned the great chance of building the

bulwark of a noble destiny in the east into a dismal disaster". 64 Jiang Jieshi who replied

to this letter on July 14 thanked Tagore in the following words- "It gives us indeed a

strong and forceful assistance in spirit to have such great sympathy and warm

encouragement from the Poet Philosopher of the East, and we are not only deeply greatful

to you but also very much elevated by your valuable words".65 In the same year Tagore

wrote to his friend Noguchi, a Japanese poet of repute condemning and criticizing the

conception of Noguchi that Japanese war in Asia was for Asians and thus their action just.

Tagore wrote "I suffer intensely not only because the reports of Chinese suffering batter

against my heart, but because I can no longer point out with pride the example of a great

Japan." He closed the letter with these words, "wishing the Japanese people, whom I love,

not success but remorse".66 Therefore, we see a drastic change in Tagore's admiration

for Japan which now turned to criticism and condemnation. Though Tagore couldn't

witness the victory of Chinese people in their War of Resistance but his words proved

right as he said in 1938, "Japan has cynically refused its own great posterity, its noble

heritage of bushido, and has offered a most painful disillusionment to us in an unholy

adventure through which even some apparent success of her is sure to bend down to the

dust, loaded with a fatal burden of failure". 67

64

65

66

67

China, India and !he War, op.cit, p.65.

ibid, p.67.

Poe/ to Poet, (Collection of Correspondences between Tagore and Y. Noguchi). Calcutta; 1939.

China, India and !he War, op.cit. p.66.

157

Gandhi and the War of Resistance

Eminent Chinese scholar Prof.Tan Yunshan a close associate of Tagore had

following discussion with Gandhi during his first meeting with the latter in 1928. This is

important as we get to know of Gandhi's understanding of China and his attitude towards

future Sino-Indian relation. Prof. Tan with an introduction letter from Tagore went to

Sevagram to visit Gandhi and spent a few days in the ashram. He had discussions with

Gandhi on the subjects pertaining Indian Freedom Movement as well as India China

relation. While speaking on China Gandhi said, "I am too occupied with the problems

inside India and is left with a very little time to study the affairs of China. But I know

China is a great nation having very old and rich culture and its people are very peaceful.

This great nation in future would shoulder the responsibility of world peace". At this Prof

Tan replied, "The great hope of China rests with the future but as for now she is going

through great difficulties what would you suggest would be the best method to bring

China out of these difficulties? Gandhi replied frankly, "In my view, 'truth' and 'peace'

would be the best method. China need to unite internally and if the method of peace is

applied truthfully. I am sure that China would be rescued from its present difficulties."

Prof. Tan's last question was, Though India and China had very intimate relations in the

ancient time as for now when the world is full of contradictions I am of the view that

India and China these two great nations could unite and put efforts to shoulder the

responsibility of world peace. There fore it's necessary to forge an alliance between the

two. This not only is a step forward to restore the centuries old relationship but would

also create possibilities for future relationship." Gandhi agreed with Prof. Tan and said

158

"You are right what I have been thinking is precisely as you have said right now. " 1 '~

Obviously Gandhi was aware of the happenings in China therefore he remarked that it

should unite internally and as an advocate of peace he suggested this method also to

China. In regards to the method of alliance both Gandhi and Prof. Tan agreed that priority

must be given to the mutual understanding between the people of these two countries.

This must be done by initiating cultural contracts. Prof Tan also invited Gandhi to visit

China and get to know the state of affairs there, at this Gandhi replied categorically, "I

also wish to go to a country like China but as long as India does not attain freedom I

can't leave India."69

Yet another deciple of Gandhi Mr. Zeng Shengti who was affectionately called by

Gandhi 'Shanti' (Peace) writes about Gandhi in his book 'Zai Gandi Xiansherg Zuoyou'

(By the sides of Gandhi) Mr Zeng first came to India in 1925 and later in 1935. He spent

considerable time in Sevegram Ashram and accompanied Gandhi on various occasions.

He writes that. Gandhi used to say frequently "though Japan has emerged strong but she

is not willing to help the people having common ancestors and civilizations. Undoubtably

the ideas of its narrow militarism are borrowed from the west", commenting on the

Chinese situation and the Japanese invasion of north-east China Gandhi lamented, "Why

Chinese people can not unite ? If internally China is united and peaceful, than I do not

see any reason why China can not drive away the Japanese or any other invader. "70

68

69

70

Tan Yunshan, "Gandi Fangwenji", op.cit, p.42.

ibid, p.43.

Zeng Shegti, Zai Gandi Xiansheng Zuoyou (By the sides of Gandhi) Zhenshan Mei tushu Publishing House Shanghai; 1948, p.89.

159

Yet another Chinese scholar writes about the reminiscences of his visit to Gandhi

at Wardha in April 1937 in his book 'Wode laoshi Taiger' (My tutor Tagore) the author

narrated the Sep.l8 incident to Gandhi and the Japanese Generals ambitions to nibble

Manchuria first then China and finally the world. At this Gandhi smiled and dismissed

the idea that Japan will conquer China he said "people with such wild ambitions must

have failed as the student of History. Who have been able to conquer China ? At first

instance, we in India were of the view that the rise of Japan is a good thing as there

would be some one to speak for the people of East. But it is become evident that a rotten

apple in the barrel has surfaced in the east only. In history that who have used armed

force to invade other country has finally harmed itself."71 While leaving Wardha the

author urged Gandhi if he could write a few things for him. Gandhi wrote the following

lines. "My affections has always been with the youth of China in the difficult years they

are passing through, I am sure that they will come through successfully owing to their

moral Character. "72

The War of Resistance as we have seen was equally a matter of concern for the

great Indian freedom fighter and the father of our nation - Mahatma Gandhi. Soon after

the Japanese invasion of north-east China, he condemned the Japanese, sympathised with

the Chinese people and stood by their side. He said "as regards Japan and China our

sympathy is bound to be on the sides of the latter"73 The Indian Medical Mission

71

T2

73

Wei Fengjing "Wode lam·hi Taigeer (My Tutor Tagore) Guilin Peoples Publishing House, Guizhou: 1986, p.l43.

ibid, p.l57.

SWMG, vo1.49, Ahmedabad: 1971, p.I99.

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conveyed Gandhiji's greetings to the Chinese people. Dr. Atal said in a press statement

after reaching China: "Gandhi had supported the dispatch of this Medical Mission and

had hoped that it will stay on and work in China till the close of war. "74 In a letter to

Generalissimo Jiang Kai-shek on June 14, 1942 he made it further clear that India in any

case will not purchase its freedom at the cost of China. India's appeal for British to quit

India and the struggle which was going on for freedom might have given Jiang the

impression that the British withdrawal might weaken the defence against Japan during

World War II. Gandhi wrote: "I am anxious to explain to you that my appeal to the

British power to withdraw from India is not meant in any shape or form to weaken

India's defence against the Japanese or embarrass you in your struggle. India must not

submit to any aggressor or invader and must resist him. I wouldn't be guilty of purchasing

the freedom of my country at the cost of your country's freedom. That problem doesn't

arise before me as I am clear that India can't gain her freedom in this way and a Japanese

domination of either India or China would be equally injurious to the other country and

the world peace." He further expressed his sympathy for the Chinese people during war

and wished them success. "Very soon you will have completed five years of war against

Japanese aggression and invasion and all the sorrow and misery that these have brought

to China. My heart goes to the people of China in deep sympathy and admiration for their

heroic struggle and endless sacrifices in the case of their countries freedom and integrity

against tremendous odds. I am convinced that this heroism and sacrifice can't be in vain;

they must bear fruit. To you Madane Jiang and to the great people of China I send my

74 Xinhua Ribao (New China Daily) October 1, 1938.

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earnest and sincere wishes for your success. "75 Gandhi also wrote that he looked

forward for the day when a free India and China will cooperate together for their own

good and the good of the humanity. Yet in another letter entitled "To Every Japanese"

Gandhi condemned the aggression vehemently as he wrote: "I grieve deeply as I

contemplate what appears me to be your unprovoked attack against China and if reports

are to be believed your merciless devastation of great and ancient land." He wrote further

"It was a worthy ambition of yours to take equal rank with the great powers of the world.

Your aggression against China and alliance with the Axis powers was surely an

unwarranted excess of that ambition." He also wished to plead for the Chinese people and

ask the Japanese to mend their ways as he wrote: "If I was a free man and if you allowed

me to come to your country, frail though I am, I would not mind risking my health, may

be my life to come to your country to plead with you to desist from the wrong you are

doing to China and the world and therefore to yourself. "76

All along China's resistance to Japan till the final victory, India supported China

morally and materially despite the fact that she herself was plunged in the freedom

struggle. China survived all kinds of bloodiest attacks and atrocities the Japanese

perpetrated for eight years and put a heroic resistance with indomitable spirit. The war

was brought to an abrupt end by U.S. by dropping two atom bombs on Hiroshima and

Nagasaki. Japan surrendered unconditionally on August 14, 1945. Nehru immediately sent

75

76

The Selected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, vol.S, The Navjeevan Trust; Ahmadabad, pp.255-257, also see Selected Works of Nehru, vol.l2, p.364-67.

ibid, vol.S, p.260-261.

1G2

a telegram to Jiang Kai-shek and congratulated the Chinese people for their victory

against Japan. He wrote: "I send you and the people of China my warmest congratulations

on victory and the ending war's eight years agony. May the unconquerable spirit of China

which has triumphantly survived these terrible years arise in the future to endless greater

heights and lend its great influence and weight to peace and freedom all over the

world."77

It was the victory of people of China and the world against aggression and

fascism. It was the victory of peace loving people over the warmongers and militarists.

As for India and China, it was the victory of friendship which brought the people of two

countries closer and further strengthened the bonds of centuries old friendship.

77 SW JN, op.cit., vo1.14, p.444.

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