International: The Last Imperialists

Kremlin propagandists have always enthusiastically endorsed the slogan “Asia for the Asians.” Communism, they hoped, would fill the political vacuum left by departing European powers. Last week, however, in the five small city-states of India remaining under French control,* came a bland reversal of the party line. Local Communist leaders labeled the neighboring Indian government a “Fascist” oppressor, ordered party members to vote against union with India in plebiscites to be held this month. Instead, Communists must vote for continued French rule.

* Pondichéry, Chandernagor, Karikal, Mahe and Yanaon, all but Mabé on India’s east coast.