THE DAILY PROVINCE
AUGUST 29, 1914

ENTHUSIASM OF INDIAN TROOPS

p.2

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Marquis of Crewe Says Hindus Would Be
Disappointed Not to Serve.

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Princely Gifts from Native Rulers Are Mentioned in
the House of Commons.

------------------London, Aug, 29.-- Native troops from India are now on their way to
increase the British forces in France. This was made known yesterday through
announcements in the House of Lords by the Marquis of Crewe, secretary of
state of India, and Lord Kitchener said that in addition to the reinforcements
which would be received from this country, the government had decided that
the British Army in France should be increased. The Indian troops were
chosen to increase the forces. Lord Kitchener added that all the gaps in the
army in France were being filled up.
“It has been deeply impressed on the government that the wonderful
wave of enthusiasm and loyalty at the present time passing over India is
largely due to the desire of the Indian people that India soldiers should stand
side by side with their comrades in the British army.
“India is aware of the employment of African troops to assist the French
Army, and it would have been a disappointment to India, if they had been
debarred from taking part in the war in Europe.
“Our army will thus be reinforced by soldiers- high-souled men—of
first-rate training, and I am certain that they will give the best possible
account of themselves. I venture to think that this keen desire of our Indian
fellow subjects so to co-operate with us is not less gratifying than the same
desire shown in the self-governing dominions, some of whose soldiers in due
course will no doubt be fighting side by side with British troops and Indian

THE DAILY PROVINCE
AUGUST 29, 1914

p.2

troops in the war. Of course we all know this India does not possess an
inexhaustible reservoir of troops, and the defence of India must in itself be a
primary consideration, not only to India itself, but to us; and I am able to state
that so far as external aggression is concerned—of which I hope and believe
there is no prospect, and I should like to say there is scarcely a possibility—in
spite of these heavy drafts on the Indian army, the Indian frontiers will be
fully and adequately secured.
“As regards the risks of internal trouble, I believe that the enthusiasm
which pervades all classes and races in India will render anything of the sort
altogether impossible.

That enthusiasm has found vent in many different ways—in some cases by
gifts of great liberally for the service of the troops in the field. I was told only
yesterday by the Viceroy of the India that some of the principal Indian princes
had written a gift of 50 lacs of rupees (about $2,500,000) for the use of the
troops in the field, and there have been several offers of the kind.
“I feel confident, therefore, that the decision we take will meet with a
most enthusiastic reception in India, and I believe it will be approved by your
lordships, the House of Commons, and by public opinion here generally.”