There has been much heart burning and críticism of the action of the British authorities in the evacuation plan which was decided upon at the outbreak of hostilities, but, now the sound and fury have subsided, it is recognized that it was a wise act and criticism has given place to appreciation. The grateful view of the Sikh community is reflected in the following letter addressed to the British Consul-General by Lakha Singh, secretary of the Majha Khala Diwan, Shanghai:
I respectfully address you, that seeing the danger of Sino-Japanese hostilities, the arrangement which you made for the repatriation of the British Indians and their families was an ae mirable act. This act is not only benevolent, but you won the hearts of your whole Indian community in Shanghai. The very act of helping your subjects is another bright star in the pages of British history and has shown the world that the British are ever mindful of the safety of their subjects. For this reason the Majha Community thanks you from the bottom Of their hearts and on the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji the whole of the Sikh Majha Community prayed to God that the British Empire may go on for ever and that day by day may crow stronger
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.