Loyalty test

The editorial in the latest issue of People8217;s Democracy says that those who attack the CPM8217;s stand on the nuclear deal do so in a 8220;disingenuous manner8221; and it urges them to 8220;meet their arguments on merit8221;.

The editorial in the latest issue of People8217;s Democracy says that those who attack the CPM8217;s stand on the nuclear deal do so in a 8220;disingenuous manner8221; and it urges them to 8220;meet their arguments on merit8221;.

It says that anyone who doubts the role of the communists in the Quit India Movement needs only read former president Shankar Dayal Sharma8217;s speech on India8217;s 50th Independence Day. 8220;After large-scale strikes in mills in Kanpur, Jamshedpur and Ahmedabad, a despatch from Delhi dated September 5, 1942, to the secretary of state in London, reported about the Communist Party of India: The behaviour of many of its members proves what has always been clear, namely, that it is composed of anti-British revolutionaries.8221;

It says India8217;s sovereignty will be compromised once the deal is completed with the US.

Partners in arms

Another article claims that US and Israeli companies have a huge influence on India8217;s defence purchases, and this should be seen in light of the 123 agreement: 8220;India had almost finalised a long-delayed 600 million contract with the European consortium, Eurocopter, for supply of 197 light helicopters, but the entire acquisition appears to have been suddenly put on hold due to US pressure in favour of US manufacturer Bell.8221; The article says Russia, India8217;s long-standing military supplier, is upset at this new trend and its question 8212; why should it not sell arms to Pakistan if India does not respect Russian interests -8212; indicates its displeasure.

Korean question

That North and South Korea are willing to talk to each other is a setback to the US, says an article in People8217;s Democracy. It says the US aims to control and retain a strategic foothold in East Asia. In November 1943, at the Tehran Conference following World War II, the US sought a 40 year mandate over Korea. Again in 1945, at the Yalta Conference, the US sought a 20-30 year mandate over the country. Both times, the Soviets refused. The US8217;s real interest is made clear by Report 4849 of the Information and Investigation Bureau of the US State Department, dated January 28, 1949: 8220;In view of the strategic position held by Korea in North East Asia, establishment of control over Korea and her

people will considerably strengthen our country.8221;

The article concludes, 8220;so, despite all US lies to the contrary, it was US strategic interests that led to the

Korean War and the division of the country.8221;

Compiled by Jayanth Jacob