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INWARD TELEGRAM

Allotted to Political Department.

Copies to:-

Sir A. Carter P.S to Min. of State (C.R.).

Sir J. Stephenson PS. To SS. for Burma.

Sir P. Patrick Sir G. Laithwaite

Mr. Baxter Mr. Joyce.

General Scoones Resident Clerk

PS. To SS. (C.R.). C.R.O. (Downing Street)

CYPHER (O.T.P.)

From U.K. High Commissioner in India

To Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations

Dated New Delhi, 22.57 hours, 23rd September 1947

Received 03.30 hours, 24th September 1947

IMMEDIATE.

No. 817

My telegram No.613 dated 22nd September. Communal disturbances.

1. PUNJAB

(1) Military spokesman at Press Conference on September 22nd stated that while communal incidents in Punjab have markedly decreased harassment of refugees, who are moving from Pakistan to India and vice versa, by armed gangs is chief source of anxiety now.

(2) West Punjab. In Lahore district convoy of non-Muslims in trucks was attacked on way to Amritsar. 17 killed and 35 wounded. In Montgomery District refugee special train was derailed and mob attacked civilian lorries carrying non-Muslims from Multan. 6 are reported to have been killed in Multan District non-Muslim refugees were also attacked. Stray cases of looting are reported Dera Ghazi Khan.

(3) Kangra and India portion of Gurdaspur District (East Punjab). Three attacks on Muslim refugee columns are reported. In each case military escort opened fire and dispersed gangs. 21 refugees killed in two of these attacks there being no casualties in third. 15 of attacks are known to have been killed.

(4) Hissar. Muslim mob of 8,000 attacked village.

(5) Ambala. General situation throughout district has improved during 24 hours ended September 20th. No incidents of stabbing or killing were reported.

(6) Simla. Searches for looted property are being conducted by Military police and in Kalka situation is completely under control.

2. DELHI.

(1) Expect for a few minor incidents in some parts of city New Delhi and Old Delhi were quiet.