Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

10 September 1940

Yesterday again there had been a rumour that the Governor was not going to declare for De Gaulle.

Purani: It has come in the Hindu like that: “The Governor announces …” So there can’t be any truth in that rumour.

Sri Aurobindo: It is true he has declared for De Gaulle and also that there won’t be any mobilisation for Indo-China if a fight breaks out there. The two things we wanted have happened: that he should reject the Pétain Government and also any involvement in this Indo-China affair. But why are these people, including Dr. André, in favour of sending troops to Indo-China?

Nirodbaran: Perhaps because Dr. André has his brother there.

Sri Aurobindo: Oh, his brother is there?

Purani: Yes, and many other relatives. Many people here have their relations there.

Sri Aurobindo: But instead of sending troops, André should bring his relatives back. (Laughter)

Nirodbaran: M.N. Roy has been expelled from the Congress.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes. I don’t understand the reason.

Nirodbaran: Because he makes freedom dependent on British support.

Sri Aurobindo: But he is talking about world freedom and it is quite true that unless Nazism is destroyed, there won’t be any freedom anywhere.

Purani: And if Hitler wins, India’s freedom has no chance.

Sri Aurobindo: Not in a century.

Nirodbaran: Roy has also said that we must give unconditional support to gain the sympathy of the British public.

Sri Aurobindo: He is right. What sympathy the British have at present will cool down if India persists in this attitude. They will say, “We have promised them Dominion Status after the war, what more do they want?” They can’t understand fine distinctions.