FUTURE OF INDIA UNDER NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 15, 22 July 1949, Page 5

FUTURE OF INDIA UNDER NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Whakatane Rotarians listened to one of the most interesting addresses yet delivered at their weekly gatherings on Tuesday evening when the speaker was Rev. A. MacMillan, of Tauranga, who discussed affairs in India and probable future relations between that couotry and the Empire. Mr MacMillan, with his pleasing personality at once made him at home with his atidience, dealt extensively with the pro-British India before the formation of the presentday state of Pakistan. In those days, he claimed, the administration by the British Crown had created a civil service second to none, and it was due to this magnificent system that the transition to self-govern-ment had, been achieved so smothly. With an intimate knowledge of the Indian languages and of the background of the general unrest now apparent, the speaker showed how the Communistic elements were likely to be held in check by the rising tide of British prestige. Most Indians, he contended, were astounded at their newlywon independence and held the British Crown in the highest esteem. In this connection he paid a warm tribute to the last of the Viceroys, Lord Mountbatten.

The new Government, under the able leadership of Pandit Nehru, was introducing legislation likely to have far-reaching effects in bringing about a general equality of the Indian races, over-riding the rigid caste system observed hitherto. Originator of this school of thought was, of course, the late Mahatma Ghandi who championed the cause of the 60 million “untouchables” and whose campaign was based largely on the Christian doctrine that all men are the children of God.

Mr MacMillan contended that from both Hindus and Moslems Britain could expect reasonable allegiance in time of war, but hinted also that the eyes of the Indian Government were directed upon developments in Asia, where Communistic influences were playing so great a part in moulding the destiny of China and where Thailand likewise was likely to become immersed in Socialistic doctrines.

It was upon the tense developments in the neighbouring state of Burma, however, that India could be expected to formulate her future policy, he said, and he directed most attention to Burma as a guidepost rather than to India itself. Pointing out that there were 130,000 Hindus in Fiji, only four days’ sail away from New Zealand, Mr MacMillan urged that we in this country should take a keener interest in Indian affairs, in view of possible repercussions on our own doorstep.