INDIAN CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1930, Page 5

INDIAN CONFERENCE

THE OPENING SPEECHES

[United Press Association.—By Electric leiegrapU.—Bopynght.J

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 12

Not even when Warren Irlasrings

was tried at Westminster had d.d India so fill the stage at the Empire s capital as to-day, when the King Emperor opened tne Oval 'bathe Uonleruice in tne Royal Gallery of the

mouse of Words. The turban headdress of -the Indian delegates, white, grey, blue, black, crimson, scarlet and yemnv contrasting with the darn c.othes almost universally worn even oy Indians, stood out as odd splashes of colour against the bareheaded British eighty-three delegates, which included the rulers of the great States, hearers of famous ancient names such as Maharajah of Alwar, of most ancient Rajaput Biood or Alaliarajaii, Bakaniar who signed the peace treaty of Ranjitsliinghi. The representatives of British India included the Aga Alum, in horn rimmed spectacles, (J. I3a Pe (Bunnan) in pink turban and green skirt, Tejbahrlur .Sapru and Hlnnah who organised the boycott of the Simon Commission, Srunivasa Sastri who visited Australia and New Zealand representing the Indian Government. Two women, Begum Shah Nawaz, Mistress Subbarayau who was eduented at Oxford. Sir J, Simon and Lord Burnham and other membens of the Commission were amongst the spectators. Messrs Scullin, Forbes, Bennett, Hertzog, and Squires occupied front row seats.

The King in his speech described their presence as a happy augury in. view of how much the future of the British Commonwealth of Nations depended on the outcome of the conference.

The King, who spoke very clearly, stressed the unique character of the Conference and said never before had British Indian statesmen and rulers met in one place, round one table, to discuss future government of India and seek an agreement for the guidance of the British Parliament, about tho foundations on which it must stand.

The King added—A decade is but a brief span in a Nation’s life, yet this decade witnessed not only India but the Nations of the British Commonwealth quickening the growth of ideals and aspirations of nationhood, defying the customary measurement of time. It is therefore no surprise that as then contemplated, it has been necessary to review the results begun 10 years ago. and make provision for the future.

His Majesty emphasised the Conference’s inoinentousness, especially the dependence of the whole British Commonwealth Oil the issue of the consulti>tionis. Ha referred to the just claims of majorities and minorities, men and women town dwellers, tillers of the soil, land owners, tenants of the strong and rich, weak and poor, all races, creeds and castes, for whom T care deeply. I have no doubt a true foundation of self Government is the fusion of such divergent claims into a mutual obligation and recognition of the fulfilment thereof.”

Hi s Majesty concluded—“ May your names do down to history as those of men who served India, well, and whose endeavours advanced the happiness and prosperity of all mv people.” After the departure of the King, the Alaliarajaii of Patiala, the most striking figure, tall and strongly built, in a black coat' buttoned to the chin, light blue turban aiul, strong very black beard with earrings containing pearls as big as peas, moved that AH ATacDonald be chairman. The Aga Khan seconded the motion in seven words, and it was carried on a show of handN.

Marahajnh Kashmir emphasised that as allies of Britain, the Prince’s stood solely for British conservation. He affirmed that the Princes would not see the Conference fail through their fault.

Sastri referring to the Viceroy’s statement concerning Dominion status, declared tflie Conference’s allotted task was to interpret them literally, and translate them courageously into concrete proposals for the benefit of India and increased glory for the Commonwealth.

Jinnali said India now expected the Viceroy’s pronouncements would be translated into action. There was no more momentous or graver issue in. Irulo-British relations than that we are facing to-dav. He added that he was glad the Dominion Prime Ministers were there to witness the birth of the new Dominion of India. LONDON, November T2.

Hon R. MacDonald denounced civil disorder, and stressed the difficulties but said there was much to give confident e in ultimate success. He mentioned the. Dominion Prime Ministers presence a,s earnest of the interest and goodwill of sister States. The Indian delegates in their speeches gave prominence to the idea expressed by Maharaja of Kashmir as “a position of honour and equality in the British Commonwealth of Nations.” INDIAN SPEAKERS. (Received this dav at noon.) LONDON, November 12. Alone among the Indian speakers at the Round Table Conference, Muslim diniiali kept bis speech secret till lie delivered it. He was a typical Anglo-Indian varsity man, the only Indian in the room wearing a monocle, which in a lit of restlessness kept, slipping from its socket, Jinnali went

the most direct of all for Dominion status. “India expects a transaction of many declarations of self Government into action.”

Turning to the front bench of Dominion spectators where Messrs Scullin and Forbes were frequently engaged in close conversation, Jinnali plunged the prophecy “I am glad you are here to witness the birth of a new Dominion to march beside you.”

Those who knew Sastri in Australia were not surprised that he gave the most, eloquent speech of all, culminating in a pica for the round table hereafter to ho known as the table of rounded wisdom and' statesmanship.