DELHI CONFERENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 45, 3 December 1940, Page 3

DELHI CONFERENCE.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA.

SELF-GOVERNMENT MOVEMENT.

(United Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON, (December 1.

In his speech, Mr L. S. Amery (Secretary of State for India) spoke of the Delhi Conference, which he described as being a significant example of both the character and resources of the British Commonwealth. The conference’s work had led to the realisation of the possibilities of co-operation and distribution which will add to an extent hithert-o undreamt of to the output of munitions of the countries which met at Delhi, said Mr Amery.

Recalling Mr Churchill’s words, Mr Amery said that the conference indeed called into being a new world of armed strength to redress the balance of the old. Of its effect on the future, Mr Amery said it was of special significance for India, although her internal and constitutional development had not yet attained that full measure of self-government which is the goal of the British Government, and that attainment depended more upon agreement between the Indian States as to the right nature of the Constitution than upon the British Government. Mr Amery pointed out .. that the Delhi conference had been laying for India foundations of increased industrial and defensive power; which were essential conditions in the world of today for true self-government. In concluding, Mr Amery said: “In spite of artificial political agitations and party manoeuvres, India is, I believe, in fact steadily advancing toward that full, equal partnership in the British Commonwealth which we are pledged to help her attain.”—British Official Wirelss,