INDIAN REFORM

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1929, Page 5

INDIAN REFORM

G EO. LANSBUIIY’S ASSURANCE

[United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph.—Copyright.]

LONDON 1 , Nov. 1. Mr George Lansbury, as Chairman the British Committee on Indian Affairs, lias forwarded a message to the people of Italy, sending love and congratulations. He says: “This is a great day in India’s history! I especially rejoice with Dr Gandhi and Mrs Annie Besant regarding the Government’s decision for a round-table conference, coupled with an unequivocal declaration that the British policy remains the same, namely tliat of ultimately establishing India as an equal partner in the British Cominonwealth of Nations, with full dominion status, for which the Committee lias fought for 14 years.” Mr Lansbury appeals to all Indian comrades and friends to take the declarations at their face value. He adds hat there is no shadow of a disagreement among the highest authorities, either in Britain or in India, rearding India’s right to self-govern-ment.

THE SIMON REPORT. LONDON, 6ct. 31. • Members of the House of Commons are excitedly discussing ;in the lobbies the position of the Simon Commission, in view of Lord Irwin’s statement, "It is generally believed ;that Sir John Simon disapproves 'of this claration preceding his Commission’s report. ■ The Conservative and Liberal, leaders similarly disapprove of. the Government’s action. ; ■

Mr Lloyd George has given notice of an urgent question. He is asking to-morrow whetner the Simon Commission has .been consulted regarding India's status, also whether the commission concurred, and whether any passage in the statement indicates the policy of previous Governments, either in substance or in point of time.

STATEMENT NOT TO HAND. (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.). . SYDNEY. Nov. 2. Lord Irwin’? Indian Statement has not arrived ai Melbourne.