VICEROY’S TASK

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1929, Page 2

VICEROY’S TASK

SIMLA, (India) June 24. “When I go to England I shall seek an opportunity for discussing with His Maesty’s Government all the grave matters concerning India, including the lioppurable settlement of India’s constitution. It will be my duty to represent to the Government the different standpoints of those who can speak for Indian political opinions.” This statement was , made by Lord Irwin in an exhaustive survey of the Indian situation at the dinner given by the Chelmsford Club in honour of the Viceroy and Lady Irwin on the eve of their departure for England. Lord Irwin later referred to the work of the Commission appointed under Sir John Simon to inquire into the relation of the States to the Central Government, and reminded the audience of Sir John’s Ootacamund speech, in which he had observed: “When we have made our report, it will be India’s opportunity to make the full contribution which is right and necessary to her future constitution, which would be framed by Great Britain and India together.” Communist s.vmpatisors in England, he said had frankly proclaimed that it was their purpose to reinforec those who were preaching such doctrines in India. The Public Safety Ordinance would be a clear danger signal to them that if they did succeed in finding their way to India they could not count unon a free run of indefinite period for the dissemination of their mischievous creed.