Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

18 September 1940

Nirodbaran: Gandhi says he won’t embarrass the British Government; at the same time he is asking permission to start non-violent non-participation in the war. This statement seems queer.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes, it is very funny. He may as well hope for the Viceroy and other Englishmen to walk out of India non-violently. But does he think non-participation will remain non-violent? (looking at Purani) You have seen the incident at Madras? (There was a police firing and riot in a Congress meeting.)

Purani: Gandhi in his interview may ask for clarification of the whole question again and, if the Government doesn’t offer satisfactory reforms, he may ask that the situation be allowed to remain as it is, instead of this extension of councils, etc.

Sri Aurobindo: That is what the Working Committee said, isn’t it?

Purani: Yes.

Nirodbaran: It seemed from Gandhi’s speech that he almost wished he had stuck to his first statement.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes.

Nirodbaran: People make wonderful statements. Nehru said they were not bargaining with the British Government, and now Gandhi again makes another contradictory statement.

Sri Aurobindo: Original ideas!

Evening

Purani: Anilkumar has been asking me if it is true that Italy has invaded Egypt.

Sri Aurobindo: No, not invaded. Mussolini wants to deliver Egypt. Anilkumar seems to be naive.

Nirodbaran: He doesn’t read the papers.

Purani: This man Sumer is saying that though Spain is quiet now, it doesn’t mean that Spain has no interest in the New World Order in Europe. When the time comes, Spain will take her share. He has gone to Germany. Perhaps Hitler may persuade or force him to join him.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes. Siam is also claiming from the French her bit of territory, not by using any force but only as a concession. However, if France doesn’t listen, Siam will renounce the non-aggression pact!

Purani: It must be the Japanese pressure behind.

Sri Aurobindo: Yes.