INDIA’S STATUS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20071, 18 October 1939, Page 6

INDIA’S STATUS

RELATION TO WAR POLICY OF BRITAIN FUTURE GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION OFFER POSSIBLE MODIFICATIONS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.50 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 17. A statement by the Governor-Gen-eral of India, the Marquess ol' Linlithgow, issued to-day, states that following discussions with 52 leaders of Indian political life, representing all parties and opinions, matters have reached a point when a statement should be made. Clarification was desired on three essential matters. First, as to the objective and hopes in the present war and to what extent they are such' that India can associate herself; secondly, what are the hopes and indentions as to her future contemplated in the constitutional sphere for the Indian continent, and thirdly, in what way can best be satisfied the Indian peoples’ desire for closer and effective association in the prosecution of the war. Resisting; Aggression These questions are dealt with in order and, as to the first the Viceroy points out the impossibility of giving a detailed definition except that ‘‘we are fighting to resist aggression, whether directed against ourselves or others.” 1 Dealing with the second point, he j reviews the operations of the Gov- | ernmenc of India Act, 1935, as so far | applied and, after paying tribute to i ‘"distinguished record of public j achievement during the last two ana | a-hulf years” attained by provincial, i Governments, said the Act contemplated that the second stage would be the reconstitution of Central Government on such a basis as to achieve the essential goal of Indian unity. This stage was necessarily suspended but. as to the future, he reiterated the statement o£ Lord Irwin that the natural issue of India's progress is the attainment of Dominion status. Open to Modification | The 1935 Act, he states, was based j on the greatest measure of common ! agreement obtainable at the then | existing time. When, at the end of i the present war, consideration of the j plan for the future Government of I India is resumed, "the British Government will be very willing to enter into consultation with the representatives cf the several communities, p'arties and interests in India and with Indian princes with a view to securing their aid and co-operation in framing such j modifications as may seem desirable.” i The scheme is open to modification in the light of Indian views and the Government will spare no pains lo further a:: agreement. Although a more extensive scheme and wider phrased indications of the future intentions are desired in some quarters, he points out the diversity of interests to be considered and the magnitude of the task in anriving at the largest measure of agreement and says: “With the best will in the world j progress must be conditioned by practical considerations.” Indian Contributions : Dealing with the third ponrt, the Viceroy says that India’s contributions have impressed the world’s imagination. “At the head of the list I would put the contribution which India has made in spiritual and not in material terms—support of her peoples for a cause which they can regard as a good and righteous cause.” As a result of the conversations with leaders, he reached the conclusion that the future course of India’s association with the war can best be secured by the establishment of a consultative group drawn by the Gov-ernor-General from the panels prepared by the major political parties and representatives of princes and presided over by the GovernorGeneral. In conclusion, ho stressed the value of Indian unity in tiie face of real and imminent danger to civilisation and ideals which are as precious to India as to any country in the world. "It is my hope that in the grave junction we face, India will go forward as a united country in support of the common cause.”