Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

15 May 1940

The radio news announced that the Commander-in-Chief of Holland had asked the soldiers to ceasefire because of the sacrifice of lives.

Sri Aurobindo: What sort of idea is that? Do they think they can win without any sacrifice? Hitler seems to be right in his opinion of their power of resistance.

Purani: There seems to be some treason among them.

Sri Aurobindo: Probably, but the Commander-in-Chief is not supposed to be a Nazi.

Purani: France is fighting hard, especially her air force. British pilots seem better than German.

Sri Aurobindo: Individually they are superior to the Germans. The paper said that three Hurricanes fought with twenty German planes and brought down some. The Germans act by mass and drive.

Evening

Sri Aurobindo: It seems Amery is not a die-hard. He has said in an interview that India will soon have to be considered as independent and he has stood against Churchill’s attack on India policy. So with his appointment as Secretary of State India may have a chance. Of course Halifax would have been best. It is a remarkable Ministry. Most of the ablest men of England are there except Hore-Belisha and Lloyd George. As I expected, Morrison and Evans are taken. Morrison is one of the best organisers. Their coming in will help to prevent any quarrel with Labour.

The Belgian position seems to be better today.

Purani: There is talk of an attack on Switzerland. In that case Italy may take her slice.

Satyendra: Then it will be a European war.

Sri Aurobindo: The Moscow radio does not approve of Germany’s attack on the Netherlands, Udar was saying. It seems to be some special information.

Satyendra (gravely): It is in today’s paper.

Sri Aurobindo: Which paper?

Satyendra: The Indian Express. (Bursts of laughter)

Purani: If true, Russia may go against Germany.

Sri Aurobindo: Russia has counted on both sides being exhausted by the war and then Stalin will have his chance. But if Germany wins it will be too powerful.

Purani: America seems to be changing her tone now and thinking in terms of war.

Sri Aurobindo: She thinks she will be able to keep out of the war if the Allies win. But if they go down she will have to come to their help.