IMPERIAL UNITY.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 350, 3 February 1937, Page 6

IMPERIAL UNITY.

Indian Allegiance To Throne Greater Than Ever.

Press Association—Copyright. Bombay, December 20.

Edward VIII.’s abdication was no more a surprise to India than it was to the rest of the Empire. For nearly a week comments in the Press had prepared the ground for the alternative to which events were rapidly moving. The search for a via media, in which a few newspapers joined, was soon abandoned. It was no use discussing morganatic marriage as a question in constitutional law when it found no support as an acceptable solution. To the average Indian it was not quite clear how the morganatic differed from a proper marriage.

It would be a mistake to conclude from one or two pessimistic comments that there has been any alteration in the traditional Indian attitude towards the Monarchy. “Monarchy is greater than the King” is a conception which Indian students of British history have long considered in the abstract; it needed the vivid reality of an abdication, as a contemporary event, to drive it home to the Indian mind. Sympathy for Edward VIII. personally continues; there is anxiety for his future welfare. But it seems that on the whole the episode will react healthfully on pofttical India in two ways. First it will make India aware of the passionate faith of the British people in the integrity of their Constitution. The evidence comes at a good moment since politicians of a certain class have for some time been counting on the possibility of England bending before a future crisis. It is a picture of the collective strength of the British people which will be an eyeopener to many. Secondly, except to those who are harping on “the BSldwinian intrigue," it is an example of Imperial unity which is full of meaning to India. India has transferred her allegiance to George VI. with a feeling of profound respect and sympathy for the new* King. Newspaper after newspaper has Offered its homage to George VI. with the greater cordiality because he has taken on a task for which until the last moment he was not prepared. Succession to him “who was trained for Kingship” assures the new Emperor of the greater sympathy.