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dated August 23, 1955: I am not a pacifist: Nehru

"I have no doubt in my mind that we shall solve the question of Goa and free the people there from colonial oppression by peaceful methods," said Prime Minister Nehru, while addressing members of the UP Congress Committee at Sitapur on August 21. He said these methods appeared to take more time, but he was sure they were the most practical in the end and they represented a higher standard of international relations. Mr. Nehru added, "I am not a pacifist nor is our Government. If India is attacked or any aggression takes place on India we shall defend her with all our might and we shall use our defence forces also for that purpose. But apart from this, we shall not resort to war. It is open to us to take economic measures against Goa and we have taken many and we may have more of them. It is open to us also to take other steps which have to be carefully considered." All these were peaceful weapons. They were powerful weapons, although they did not produce sudden results. There had been much confused thinking even in India over the Goa issue and in some foreign countries confusion or perhaps deliberate misunderstanding was even greater. "I have been surprised to read some of these foreign comments, because they indicate a continuance of the old colonial mind, which has done so much harm to Asia and Africa. Let us try to get rid of this confusion and see facts clearly. What do we aim at in Goa? Goa is geographically a part of India. Opposed as we are to colonialism everywhere, it is impossible for us to tolerate continuance of colonial rule in a small part of India. It is not that we covet Goa. That little bit of territory makes no difference to this great country. But even a small enclave under foreign colonial rule does make a difference and it is a constant irritant both to the self-respect and the national interest of India. It may be a source of danger, more especially if a hostile and reactionary country like Portugal holds on to it."

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