Interview with Mr. Courtenay Parker Bramble C.I.E. [sound recording]

Oral history interview, given 1983, by Courtenay Parker Bramble (1900-87), employee of the Bombay Company 1922-33; Senior Partner; Drennan & Company, Bombay [Mumbai] 1933-52; Member of Bombay Legislature 1935-50; on his life and career in India.

Courtenay Parker Bramble - Barrister-at-law, Middle Temple; with the Bombay Company, Ltd. 1922-33. Senior Partner, Drennan & Co., Bombay, 1933-52. Member of Bombay Legilature, 1935-50 (leader of Progress Party). Chairman, European Association, Bombay branch, 1942-44. Holder of numerous other public or honorary appointments in Bombay; Managing Director, Abercrombie, Bramble & Co., 1954-73.

Sound recording currently unavailable at SOAS Library due to preservation reasons. Researchers can access a copy of this audio recording at the British Library Listening & Viewing Service. For more details see www.bl.uk/listening or contact listening@bl.uk / 020 7412 7418.

Closed

Written addition dated 31.1.84 by Bramble. "Reference R04: Young Europeans Movement The only important individual who was not prepared to come as our guest and so have the opportunity of addressing us was Gandhi. He was, however, ready to receive a small number of us on his own ground and 1 was one of the three who eventually saw him at somebody's bungalow -it was probably Birla's - in Bombay. I remember how politely and, indeed, pleasantly he expressed the desire that the British should leave India - almost as though it was something we could have arranged there and then. Indeed, everything seemed so simple that I hardly liked to ask how India would manage without us if invaded by Pathans from the Frontier or even by Russia. His answer gave the impression that he had given the matter thought and resolved it to his own satisfaction. If India were invaded, he said, mercenaries would have to be hired and the first approach would probably be made to the British. He did not explain how the approach would be made but must be given the credit for contemplating the use of the telegram, if only because there was no air mail in 1929 and surface mail took a fortnight to arrive!"

Private study only. For publication or broadcast please refer to Archivist

Copyright held by British Library

Recorded as part of the ’Memories of the British in India’ project by India Office Library & Records [subsequently the Oriental and India Office Collection, British Library]. This recording was previously held at SOAS Library as part of the 'British in India Oral Archive Project' collection [Reference OA2], removed from this collection in August 2014 to reflect the recording’s alternative provenance as part of the ‘Memories of the British in India’ project.

Original sound recording of interview available at British Library Listening & Viewing Service [Reference: C63/41-46]