GOOD OLD SAM BAHADUR Differences emerged between Menon and Thimayya after the latter warned Nehru about formers military adventurism against China in 1962, without adequate preparations. Upset, Thimayya offered his resignation but was persuaded by Pandit Nehru to stay (only to be insulted by him later in the Parliament). In the biography (of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, written by Brigadier (Retd) Behram Panthaki and his wife Zenobia- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, The Man and His Times), it is claimed that the then defence ministry tried to create differences within the Army. Menon tried to directly canvass support with the generals against the then Army Chief Thimayya. During a visit by Manekshaw to his formation Menon sought his opinion on Army Chief. Mr Minister, I am not allowed to think about him. He is my Chief. Tomorrow, you will be asking my (subordinates) brigadiers and colonels what they think of me. Its surest way to ruin the discipline of the Army. Dont do it in future, responded Manekshaw. A raging Menon asked Manekshaw to abandon his British way of thinking and threatened him that he has the capacity to sack the Army Chief. Sam didnt budge.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 09:32:08 +0000
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