INDIAN CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1930, Page 5

INDIAN CONFERENCE

(Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 11 a.m.)

RbUliY, Nov. 25

The Britiish-liidia delegation resolved to request uie- ieueuil relations commiilee to chouse lue remaining Humours of the Britisn-lndia Ueiegation, contending it is linpossiu.e to represent all in leftists by co-opting an additional six members and pouuing to enact all members of BriUsa delegation and all but two of the slates delegation have been co-opted. Originally the Delegation favoured a small federal relations coniniittee. The minority interests were prepared to leave their case respecting the general structure of constitution in the hands of ex|er‘:n committee in expectation they be further heard on matters alfecting their particular interests. The federal relations committee have now readied a membership of about fifty. It could not be reduced as the small expert committee might possibly extend its activities to a scope not previously contemplated. Therefore British and Indian delegated considered all interests should he represented, the committee thus becoming a committee of a whole conference and could resolve itself into expert subco nun ittees a S req u i red, CONFERENCE. ON INDIA. REAL TASK TO COMMENCE, NEWSPAPERS TAKE HOPEFUL. VIEW. RUGBY, November 23. The Indian Round-Table Conference will begin its real work on Monday, when the first meeting of the Federal Relations Committee will set about the task of translating the general agreement which emerged from the five days’ plenary session into practical proposals tur suomission, first to the conference, and ultimately to Parliament. COMMENTS BY THE PRESS. A hopeful view of the prospects is taken by the Press. “3 he Times” comments on the remarkable unanimity shown in the speeches. “Perhaps the most hopeful inipresison left by the debate is that it has at least placed abstract conceptions of status and federation in their proper order,” the paper says. “Status is coming to be recognised as a matter of achievement, not of gift. There can be no progress in a discussion by any committee of details till the broad outlines of the structure are settled.

“The sceptics are asking already how long the great ideal of these few days will survive the next stages of conference; lor, whatever else it may imply, there is no doubt that federation does mean a definite sacrifice oft the part of all its members. The appointment of the vast Committee on Federal Relations may, however, be hailed for the moment as a welcome sign that the new idea predominates. “The Times” records two personal impressions of the long discussion, first the spontaneous and prolonged applause which greeted every mention of the Viceroy (Lord Irwin), and, second that the Prime Minister proved himself a. tactful, sympathetic, and infinitely patient chairman. PROBLEMS THAT REMAIN.

The “Morning Post,” while not undervaluing the power of words, says. “The problems of defence of the frontiers, the maintenance of law ana order, the rights of minorities, and tlie protection British interests remain. The federal proposal has, at least, the advantage of bringing in the princes, who are the stable and conservative element. But everything depends on the manner in which the principle is applied, and whether it can be reconciled with those things which the Simon Commission rightly held essential.” The “Manchester Guardian” says. “British policy in India since the war has been entirely consistent, and with sincerity declared Great Britain’s firm intention that India should enjoy complete self-government within the Empire, reaching the ultimate aim by stages. Events have shown, however, a conflict between tlie British view, based on the necessity for gradualness, and India’s demand for all or nothing. “The offer of the Indian princes to come >at onoe into an All-India Federation has ended this conflict, because they will introduce into the Legislature. the element of balance, racial, religious, and political. Tlie princes, however, will assuredly make conditions. The minority communities will demand (safeguards, and the British Government will require some measme of control of the army and foreign affairs for the time being. The British Indian delegates have very definite ideas as to what constitutes a democratic institution; but these difficulties are adjustable, and it is for the committee to adjust, them.” The “Daily Herald” >avc: “The Indian demand is a pikestaff, and it is for the committee to discuss not whether, but how, India can have full self-government. It is a supremely difficult. hut not insuperable task.” THE PRTNOTTS’ CONDITIONS.

The princes’ delegation at the Conference had a further meeting yesterday, at which the position of the States was again considered. It > s stated that for tlie present thev derided not. to place any detailed plan before the Federal delations Committee of the Conference. The conditions noon which thev would he willing to join with British India in the ‘Federation were clearly stated in the speeches at the plenary session. They were summarised hy the “Observer” as follows;—

First, the Crown shall remain

(Second, the army and foreign affairs shall be left in the hands of the paramount Power . Third, the States shall be given equal representation with British India.

Fourth, their rights shall be clearIv defined before federation.

Fifth, a Federal Supreme Court s l,all be set up. which will decide all judicial disputes. In addition it was made clear that while the princes would not tolerate interference by the Federal authority in disputes between themselves and their subjects, they would be prepared to make important concessions whereof the most important is their readiness to enter the Federation. The “Observer” says they also are preoared to concede that currency, tariffs, and railways should be regarded among matters of common concern to the Stall's and the rest of India which should b" in the hands of the Federal authority.