INDIA’S FUTURE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21187, 9 August 1940, Page 6

INDIA’S FUTURE

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN AFTER=WAR PLANS SETTLEMENT OF UNREST (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 9, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 8 Mr L. C. Amery, Secretary of State for India, in the House of Commons, said: “ Dominion status for India remains Britain’s aim. The differences between Indian communities which has prevented the achievement of national unity can no longer postpone the proposed expansion of the Viceroy’s Council nor the establishment of a body associating Indian public opinion more closely with the Central Government.

“ The Marquess of Linlithgow is inviting a number of representative Indians to join his council, and also is establishing a War Advisory Council representing the States and other interests of India as a whole. Full weight will be given the minority views in any revision. Britain cannot contemplate the transfer of present responsibilities for the peace and welfare of India to any system of Government whose authority large and powerful elements directly deny, nor be a party to the coercion of such elements into submission to such a Government.

“ Britain sympathises with the contention that the framing of any new scheme should primarily be the responsibility of the Indians themselves, and should originate from Indian conceptions of the social, economic, and political structure to which Britain wishes to see the fullest possible expression given, subject to Britain’s obligations to India, of which the Government cannot divest itself.

“ The present is not the moment in which fundamental CQnstitutional issues can be decisively resolved, but the Government will very readily assent to.the creation with the least possible delay after the war of a body representing the principal elements of India’s national life, with the object of devising a new constitution. The Government will lend every aid to hasten decisions.” Opinion in India The Marquess of Linlithgow made a statement at Simla identical with that of Mr Amery. The Indian-owned press describes the announcement as the total negation of the Congress demands. The Anglo-Indian newspapers, also the minorities, notably the “depressed classes,” urge acceptance of the proposals.