Page:Fischer - A Week with Gandhi.pdf/88

 China will become free. We may be approaching the Asiatic century. India and China may shape a great deal of history in the coming decades. I see no sign, however, that the British realize this. They will not go as you ask. If they could not save themselves by their arms in Singapore and Malay, they will not save themselves by their brains in India.”

“I would like you to understand that I am not criticizing China,” he affirmed. “Only I wanted to emphasize that I do not wish to imitate China. I do not want India to be in the same predicament as China. That is why I am saying I do not want British and American soldiers here. I do not want Japanese or German soldiers here. The Japanese broadcast every day that they do not intend to keep India—they only propose to help us win our freedom. I do not welcome their sympathy or help. I know they are not philanthropists. I want for India a respite from all foreign domination. I have become impatient. I cannot wait any longer. Our condition is worse than China’s or Persia’s. I may not be able to convince Congress. Men who have held office in Congress may not rise to the occasion. [Gandhi looked pointedly at Nehru when he said this.] I will go ahead nevertheless and address myself directly to the people. But whatever happens, we are unbendable. We may be able to