INDIA REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1930, Page 5

INDIA REPORT

PRESS COMMENT

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

LONDON, June 24

Commenting on the report on India, “The Times” says: The Commissioners nave ueeome profoundly convinced that, the prospect of periodical investigations Ims had a disastrous effect Upon tiie working the of the consti-

tution changes that were introduced a decade ago. .In the light of their emphatic opinion, no one will lie like-

ly hereafter to,maintain a programme of autonomy by instalments, as against steady progress by natural evolution. The delicate, plant of self-government will in future prove itself by its fruits, and it. will not be dug up at regular intervals for a standardised inspection. There is no longer any reason why the States and the Provinces should all be. expected to fit into a common mould. Since the need for a central legislature remains, the method of federalism will enable India to meet, it as the United States and as most of the British Dominions have met it in the past. That is by the co-operation of a number of autonomous units, grown to political selfconsciousness through their response bility for their own affairs, and able to determine for themselves the ultimate form of a common structure.

The “Daily Mail” regards the Simon Report as being a death blow to Dominion status for India, The “Daily Herald” says the Simon Report, far from preparing the way for a rapid transformation to selfgovernment, seems to tend towards indefinitely stabilising the essentials of the present system, The powers of the Viceroy and the Governors are the negation of self-government which is fatal to an acceptance of the prooosals, even hv the moderates.”

The Simon. Report continues: — LONDON, June 24

The British Parliament cannot now surrender all responsibility for the future modification in the structure of Indian Central Government. The Commissioners desire to reduce the rigidity of the statutory structure, allowing Indian institutions, room to grow and develop. Experience shows that federation will generally eventuate after federating units become politically self-conscious. It is an absolute condition of the development of self-government that the north-east gateway should he safely held. The Indian Army must be strong enough and the presence of British troops and British officers in Indian regiments is essential for many years. This gravely complicates the problem. There are inflammable elements and jealousy and ill-feeling between important communities cause riots. Communal disturbances during the past years show how slight an incident will cause trouble, The intertill security of the population depends upon the efficiency of the administrative machine. If the inonsoo fails, millions will die of famine unless there is an efficient railway system for ransport of food. Epidemics are ioUlly prevented bv lautlioritio9 vigilance, While prepared to recommend a considerable advance of self-gvernment tile Commissioners desire to secure that experience is not bought too dearly, There must he a power which can step in and save the situation before it is too late. There must be safeguards to ensure the maintenance of the vital services. The Governor-General or Governor should ze armed with full, ample powers, The Commissioners desire the fullest scope of self-government, but if there is a breakdown, then an alternative authority must operate unhampered.