AGAIN POSTPONED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1942, Page 3

AGAIN POSTPONED

DISCLOSURES BY SIR S. CRIPPS OF OUTCOME OF MISSION TO INDIA. REPORT REGARDING DEFENCE ISSUE. LONDON, April 7. Sir Stafford Cripps lias again postponed his Press conference until Thursday morning. He is expected to have a final conference at midday tomorrow with representatives of the Moslem League. The president of the Moslem League (Mr Jinnah) states that the British Government has agreed to the appointment of a representative Indian as Defence Minister. The Working Committee of the Congress Party has reached a decision on the British War Cabinet’s reply to the party’s proposals.

“BEYOND DOUBT” ROOSEVELT MEDIATION EFFORT. REPORTED GUARANTEE OFFER. LONDON, April 6. It is considered beyond doubt that President Roosevelt is mediating behind the scenes in an effort to contribute to a solution of the Indian problem. Pandit Nehru for two hours detailed to the Congress Working Committee his long interview with Colonel Louis Johnson, President Roosevelt’s special representative, after which he said: “I assured him that Congress would never misuse its power. Congress can 'only rouse the masses under a national government with real powei* to fight the enemy. India will never agree to fight in a subordinate role.” It is understood that Colonel Johnson promised Maulana Azad and Mr Nehru that the American Government would guarantee Britain’s pledge of Dominion status for India after 7 the war.