After independence however the number of Europeans in Calcutta started dwindling. Many of the business units owned by them either merged, sold or packed off. In the meantime some Indians were inducted in the club as Associate members. Like any other Club, the Swiss Club authorities made sure that the numbers of such members remained a minor percentage of ordinary members.

In spite of gradual diminishing members of members, the club was carrying on. Around October/November 1969, the Ambassador for Switzerland in India, in a letter to Swiss Club management requested them to meet him. A two member delegation was formed. This included the then President of the Club - Mr. H. S. VAN WIJK and another committee member - Mr. J.KEUSCH.

When the delegation met the Ambassador, he told them that he had received a report that Swiss Club in Calcutta was practicing Colour-Bar.

Later in his reporting to the Club Committee the President said that he vehemently opposed the erroneous report and he informed the Ambassador that out of 14 existing Associate members not less than 10 were Indians. The history however is silent as to what extent the Ambassador was convinced with that solemn objection, particularly because no Indian those days had access to ordinary membership. Such a category was open only to the Europeans.

There was a separate exposition from KEUCH. He said that when the Ambassador heard that KEUCH was the only remaining Swiss member of the Club and possibly the only Swiss National living in Calcutta, the Ambassador remarked that embassy would prefer the Club not to continue functioning under the name SWISS CLUB otherwise there might be a political repercussion.

The committee heard both and decided to give the matter a further thought. In the following committee meeting the President persuaded other members to agree that unless further development occurred the matter should be treated as closed. KEUCH did not attend the meeting. He was absent on leave.

So the committee decided to sleep over the issue. The slumber however was not deep enough. On 4th June 1970, there was a reminder from Swiss Ambassador. The committee woke up. The rules had to be gone through in details and amended wherever necessary. Orr. Dignam - the Solicitors were consulted. Thereafter a special General Meeting was arranged in October, 1970.

Whereas the record shows in June 1970 there were Seventy one ordinary members, Seventeen Associate members, Three Lady members and Fourteen outside members; the special General Meeting was attended by Twenty Two members including one Indian Associate member - Dr. K. C. Chatterjee (our late Kironda).