79. 22-7-1942 I Yield to none in my desire for the Freedom of this Country

I YIELD TO NONE IN MY DESIRE FOR THE FREEDOM OF THIS COUNTRY

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, in his speech at the Samata Sainik Dal reception held Last night the 22nd July 1942 in the Bhatt High School Hall, Bombay, said, “It is the patriotic duty of all Indians no matter to what political parties they belong to resist with all the power and resources at their command an attempt on the part of the Congress to launch civil disobedience movement in his country at this juncture and thus to create anarchy and chaos, which would unquestionably help and facilitate the subjugation of this country.

We did not interfere with the previous civil disobedience movement for the simple reason that at that time the situation was entirely different.

Today we have aggressive Japan standing right at the gates of India. The situation on the Egyptian and Russian fronts is none too happy.

I have not the slightest doubt that to start civil disobedience movement at such a juncture would be directly playing the game of the enemy. It is a game we will not allow the Congress or anybody else to play. It is a game of treachery to India.

I yield to none in my desire for the freedom of this country, but I do not want to drive out the British to help establishment of Japanese rule over this country. It may be that the Congress Working Committee resolution is a mere bluff. If that is the case nothing need be done in the matter, but if the threat is actually put into practice then it will be the duty of the Samata Sainik Dal to use its organisation to bring Congress to its senses and to prevent anarchy and chaos in the city.

Before leaving for Delhi I shall issue a statement explaining the line of policy which the Independant Labour Party and other allied organisations must follow in the matter. I want you to study that statement and implicity to carry out the instructions given therein. concluded Dr. Ambedkar.” 1 zz

1. The Bombay Chronicle, 23rd July 1942.