INDIA’S RIGHTS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1930, Page 2

INDIA’S RIGHTS

GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS.

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

LONDON, November 14

The detailed views of the Government of India on the Indian RoundTable Conference have been issued in the form of a dispatch as a prel.miliary to the Conference. The main theme of the dispatch is the “further progress which might now be made towards the development of responsible Government in India as an integral part of the Britsh Empire.” The despatch refers to the strength oif the Indian national movement, which lias taken the form of a demand for self-government and Dominion status. It says that the demand for sell-government stated in practical terms, means that India should be allowed to manage, her own affairs, both in the provinces, and, subject to any temporary safeguards that may require at the centre, The ultimate ideal is that of an All-India Federation, and this is accepted, although the dispatch points out that the realisation of this ideal must depend on the att.tude of the States and the provinces. It says that British India should receive the maximum of autonomy that is cons.stent with the interest of India as it whple.

The proposal of the Statutory India (Simon) Commission for the abolition of the dynasty and for the consequent establishment of responsible governments in the provinces, dealing with the whole provincial field, including law and order, is acoepted, with a recognition of the risks involved. The Despatch supports, in prlnc pie the proposed .separation of Burma •from India ,but thinks that Indan opinion should be given the chance to declare itself, and that no decision should be reached before the question is discussed at the Round-Table Conference.

• The purposes which it is suggested that the British Government should safeguard include: —Defence, foreign (relations, internal security, protection of minorities, and the prevention of unfair 'economic commercial discrimination. .