The Prince’s Visit.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1922, Page 1

The Prince’s Visit.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. DELHI, March 14. A special press representative with the Prince of Wales, reviewing his tour in India, and. the present position of affairs there says: The arrest of Dr Gandhi and the resignation of Mr Montagu (Secretary for India) have overshadowed the closing scenes of the Prince’s visit in official circles. Among the civil and military people of India the hope has again arisen that the Government has, at last, determined on a firm policy of suppression of the rebellion, the protection of the loyal Indians, and the sweeping away of the atmosphere of suspicion, and uncertainty that is poisoning all the services. The correspondent says that he hears on all sides such expressions as “We are in for an explosion when the Prince leaves 1” “Let ,ua get fij over!” “Clear th© air!” and “End the uncertainty that is paralysing all the officials and commercial people fin Tju dial”

The correspondent also declares that a crisis is inevitable He urges that there is a need for dealing firmly with the Gandhist agitation. He declares that the Prince’s tonr has not influenced the political situation in one way or the other. He declares that it is idle to assert that the Prince’s personality has been felt by the majority of the Indian people. The Prince really has seen little or nothing of the bulk of the Indian natives. The precautionary measures taken for his safety have been preventing the Prince from any free intercourse with them.

It is a mistake to think, says the correspondent that the Prince of Wales has won one single convert from the Gaudhist movement. The correspondent also pointß out that the passage of the Prince through the British-governed portion of the country has been characterised by boycotts varying in extent, and by rioting m bjoth Bombay and Madras. The Prince, he says, has acquitted- himself in his delicate and difficult task with characteristic tact and has made a right’ impression on the native Rulers. Tt has been suggested, he continues, that, if the Prince had been permitted to go openly through the bazaars, even during the Hartals, it would have caused a reaction of feeling in his favour on the part of the impressionable . natives, who would have acclaimed him as a popular hero; but the writer is unable to say how far this suggestion is justified. The tour, however, ha s in no sense been a failure, says the correspondent, who admits he cannot see how, under the present circumstances it could have been any greater success.