BANGKOK CONFERENCE 15th-23rd June, 1942 Indian delegates from various parts of East Asia assembled at the Thai capital for a nine-day conference •commencing on June 15, 1942. The Silapakorn Theatre. Bangkok was packed to overflowing. There was no standing room anywhere and even the spacious ground itself was packed to capacity, while the roads leading to it were crowded with people who were eager to get a glimpse of the distinguished visitors. The Hall was decorated with mottos such as Freedom is our Birth-right. A large number of representatives of Japan, Thai• land and the Axis countries were also present Speech by Signor Guido Crolla, the Italian Minister in Bangkok. 15.06.1942 Appreciating work of Iqbal Shedai in Europe for India liberty. It is indeed a source of deep gratification for me, stated Signor Guido Crolla, the Italian Minister in Bangkok, to attend the opening session of this Conference which, thanks to Thailands hospitality, gathers here to-day the representatives of the various Indian Movements in the Far East. The bonds between India and Italy date far back in history. They were existing even before the Roman Empire, which was a great attempt of unifying western aril eastern cultures. In the Middle Ages the daring exploits of an Italian, Marco Polo, brought the two worlds closer again, while the Republics of Venice and Genoa were intensifying their trade with India through the Mediterranean. In more recent times Indian culture found and still finds in Italy many scholars and admirers and the Italian youth is taught in school how to appreciate the contribution given by India to the history of humanity. The Italian people who have for so long hardly struggled to recover their unity and independence can-not feel but sympathy and understanding towards the suffering and aspirations of the Indian people. Italys interest for the cause of Indian Independence is deeply rooted in the past. Indian exiles have always found in Italy a most cordial welcome and hospitality. This particular sympathy, which is spontaneous, lively and disinterested, has recently found expression in the institution of a society in Rome called The Friends of India, where the Indian patriots of undaunted faith and sincerity, such as Iqbal Schedai, are working for the cause of Indian liberty followed by the friendly and unanimous encouragement of the Italian public opinion. The Friends of India wish to create as closer connections as possible between cognate associations existing in Germany, Japan and Thailand with a view to attaining the final aim through a better and greater coordination of their respective efforts. The enduring passion of the Indian people is approaching is its decisive moment. The war which the Tripartite Powers are victoriously waging against Indias secular oppressor is destined to create a new order in contrast with the old one ruled by Anglo-Saxon selfishness and abuse. Within the frame of such a New Order the Indian people, after having shaken the British yoke, shall, as a free Nation, find the place which their high civil and cultural traditions entitle them to. Italy, Germany and Japan have no territorial ambitions in India. Their support is therefore all the more disinterested and their friendship all the more sincere. The representatives of Free India gathered in Bangkok to-day are confronted with the highly responsible task of shaping the future destiny of their own country in accordance with the wishes and the interests of the Indian people. In unison with Germany and Japan, Italy is wishing this Conference the best success.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 20:17:12 +0000
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