INTERNAL UNITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20073, 20 October 1939, Page 9

INTERNAL UNITY

INDIA’S VITAL NEED ATTAINMENT OF GOAL PLEA FOR CO-OPERATION BRITISH WAR AIMS (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Oet. 18. The Secretary of Stale for India. Lord Zetland, replying to the debate in the House of Lords on the Viceroy's statement, said the purpose of the 1935 Government of India Act was to provide machinery whereby India might acquire a measure of practical unity, which was a necessary prerequisite natural to the attainment of the eventual goal and was compiled by immense labour, both Indian and British, and was based on the greatest measure of common agreement then obtainable.

Although providing a written constitution, this was a inert skeleton which was given flesh by everyday working. This had happened in tire provinces. He believed that if the federal provisions were instituted the same success would be obtained. Lord Zetland reiterated the Viceroy's statement that when the war was over the Government would be very willing to hear all interests on the modification of the plan arising in the light of existing circumstances. Elimination of Antagonism

It was not practicable,'or not in the interests of the Indian peoples, now to enter into controversies or to embark on a task of great complexity in circumstances which, though existing now, may well not exist when victory is obtained in the war. "What we have to work for is the elimination of communal antagonisms which still militate against- the unity of India,” said Lord Zetland. “You cannot abolish them by merely closing your eyes to their existence. You must face them and search for the means to remove their underlying causes. I believe the menace which now confronts all us Englishmen, Hindus and Muslims, princes and peoples alike, may aid us to achieve what hitherto has eluded our .grasp.”

Concluding, Lord Zetland said: "This, then, is my appeal to the people of India —that in comradeship with us, while presenting a united front to the forces ranged against us, they strive after that agreement amo:|"! themselves without which they will surely fail to achieve that unity which is an essential of the nationhood of those with vision among her leaders have long dreamed, and which must surely be the crowning achievement of the long and intimate political relaLonship between the peoples of Britain and India.”