HOUSE OF LORDS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1930, Page 5

HOUSE OF LORDS

THE INDIAN SITUATION

(British Official Wireless)

(Received this day at 10 a.m.)

RUGBY. May 28.

Jn the Home of, Lords, Lord Peel called for a statement on the situation in India. The tidiest support would, lie said, he given to the Government of India to crush and end the disorders which seemed to be organised from a common centre. He suggested that inscad of arresting the, leaders in the particular disturbances, it was time to strike at the centres of the distiiiihanees, the Congress committee themselves and that a greater effort Un made to clear the cloud of misreprescnatioi) of' British policy in tlie vernacular press. Lord Reading said what was new and serious about the present disturbances was the evidence that an organisation of civil disturbances had 'been set up. Civil disobedience could not be tolerated and the Government must put forth all the weapons at its command to break it.

Earl Russell, Under Secretary for India, having surveyed the situation in the various centres said there was no question of loyalty of the Indian army and he paid a tribute to the work of the Indian police, who frequently were pelted bv brickbats and insulted and not allowed to protect themselves except in the last resort. The Government had shown the utmost limits of patience and forebearance in quelling the disorders, and had resorted to firmness only when conditions made it absolutely necessary.

Earl Russell paid a tribute to the Viceroy (Lord Irwin) who had shown immense patience and had done nothing that could be regarded as provocative. The Government had assured him lie had their full and unstinted support.