dated October 31, 1951: Perils of Rearmament

Whether war and arming for war stimulate economic development was touched upon in the Editorials: ``The warning of Mr. Norris Dodd regarding the implication of Western rearmament for underdeveloped countries should not be missed. The first impact of rearmament was to stimulate demand for raw materials from Asian countries - rubber, tin, manganese, vegetable, oil, etc., but that demand was not sustained, and the increases in prices last year have been neutralised by declines. The benefits to Eastern economies from Western rearmament have proved short- lived; the gearing of industries for Western defence can upset plans for Asian development. Delays in getting essential Western equipment might seriously upset the execution of India's river- valley schemes. Mr. Dodd says huge defence programmes can cause urgent agricultural requirements to be overlooked, and that rearmament needs may slow down even the current modest plans for economic development. The International Bank drew attention to this, but said that enlarged Western production capacity was enough to enable rearmament without sacrificing the needs of under-developed countries. But this can only be ensured by the West's recognising urgent Eastern needs, and by concerted efforts to give high priority to their fulfilment. When raw materials became scarce, the U.S., Britain, and Canada set up an Internal Raw Materials Conference for conserving and increasing supplies. A similar body should be set up to meet the essential capital goods needs of the underdeveloped countries. India might well take the initiative for such a body to be set up. At the moment, she is the only country in the East engaged in executing large- scale development.''

Ashes in an Advertisement

A striking display advertisement for a brand of cigarettes said, ``One of the most exciting Test Matches of all time was played at the Oval in 1882. A well-nigh perfect English side led by Dr. W. G. Grace was dramatically beaten by Australia, as men noted for their coolness trembled like a leaf, some shivered as in cold, and some even fainted. England lost by seven runs. The London ``Sporting Times'' came out with this In Memoriam insertion that became historical: ``In affectionate remembrance of English Cricket which died at the Oval on 29th August 1882. RIP. NB: The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.

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