dated September 22, 1951: Kamaraj Nadar's Advice to Newspaper Readers

Mr. K. Kamaraj Nadar, president of the Tamil Nad Congress Committee, called upon the people not to yield to the temptation of reading matter propagated by ``the yellow and gutter press.'' Inaugurating in Madurai the new local edition of the Tamizh daily Dinamani, he deplored the tendency of some newspapers and periodicals to throw to the winds their true obligation and duty to the people, and to indulge in promoting hatred by publishing scurrilous reports. Such newspapers abused the freedom of the press enjoyed in India, and had given rise to calls to impose restraints on newspapers and periodicals. The function was well attended, and among those present were Chief Minister P. S. Kumaraswami Raja, and Messrs M. Bhaktavatsalam, Perumalswami Reddiar, C. P. Subbiah, and C. Subramaniam, Member of Parliament. Mr. A. N. Sivaraman, welcoming the gathering, averred that Dinamaniwould not function as the mouthpiece of any political party. The paper believed in non-violence and non-hatred, and it wished to play its part in nurturing and influencing infant democracy in India. Hence it would fearlessly expose any party which failed to adhere to democratic principles.

Mr. Ramnath Goenka, proposing a vote of thanks, said the Madurai edition of Dinamani, being started on the eve of the India's general elections, would strive to educate the people on sound ideals and the need for voters to exercise their franchise in the right manner.

Ottawa Declaration

The 12-nation Atlantic Treaty Council meeting in Ottawa, Canada, adopted a statement of principle embodied in a document called ``Declaration of Ottawa''. It warned that the Western Powers ``will not be deflected from building up their defensive strength by mere empty words about peace.'' The Declaration emphasised, ``Persistent attempts to divide the North Atlantic community will fail due to the nature and strength of the close ties among their free peoples. The threatening international situation has brought the 12 Powers together in an alliance to create sufficient strength to preserve their people's freedom and liberty. As regards the series of vague and obscure `peace' offers made from time to time, the North Atlantic Community will test such offers by the deeds that follow them. No genuine move for peace will be rejected.''

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