THE INDIAN CROSSROADS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1931, Page 2

THE INDIAN CROSSROADS

(Christchurch Times). The people who, if they have not always admired the methods, have had to acknowledge the surprising influence of Gandhi in Indian affairs, must now be wondering if lie intends to assist in tho construction of a federal constitution or means to play the part of an obstructionist.. It was unfortunate that the political section with which he is identified was not directly represented at the London conference, but tho action of the Viceroy in liberating the imprisoned leaders in order that they might take Part in the discussions that must now proceed afforded Gandhi the. opportunity to display any qualities of statesmanship that lie may possess, and do something for the ultimate benefit of 1 lie Indian Empire, Tf, is admitted that the d"'is‘on,s of the conference merely marked the beginning of a great tank, and even the delegates realised that it would be necessary to obtain in India itself a measure, of agreement that would make further progress possible. That is why the course that Oil 11(1 lii may fake is a milUeb of siicli importance. If be wet’e to advocate cooperation, and participate, in any conference summoned to consider the next step, the outlook would be hopeful, but if he allies himself with the extreme section of the Congress, then the prospects of constitutional government will be made more remote, That may be regarded, as a tribute to the influence of the man, but the test or individual influence is the manner in which it is exercised. Unfortunately in matters of statecraft, as in many other spheres, it is much easier |o hinder than to construct, and, of course, history shows that one of t’-e most potent ways to obstruct is to contend that some other course would be much better. Bettor is always the enemy of good. In this nnrticidir matter what is required is the locating of a common starting point and for actual experience, to determine developments. This is not the Time for bargaining, yet that is what Gandhi seems to be attempting. Perhaps the delegates will be able to convince him that the opportunity is now presented for laying the foundations of a united India. If they fail then they will 1 have no choice but to work on and number Gandhi among the reactionary I influences of their oreat country.