INDIAN PROBLEM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 307, 9 October 1942, Page 4

INDIAN PROBLEM

: FORMULA FOR SETTLEMENT. ANNOUNCED AFTER CONFERENCE VIEWS OF STATE PREMIERS. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright). (Rec. 11 aim.) NEW DELHI, Oct. 8. The Premier of Sind (Allah Bakhsh) announced that a new formula for a settlement of the Indian question had been worked out ,at a conference between the. president of the Congress Party (Dr. Azad) and the Moslems. The Formula contemplated the establishment of provincial -boundaries on a language basis, with the right of self-determination, including secession, but “in the context of Indian freedom.”

Mr Bakhsh announced a campaign to obtain signatures throughout India for ■ a .petition demanding that.the Indian leaders unite to present to Britain a demand for* independence. He aims to go over the heads of politicians t to mobilise the masses in a non-party movement for a settlement, simultaneously organising Allied opinion in support of the demand for independence. “Tire United States has ,a supreme duty to arbitrate in the British-Indian /deadlock,” said the Premier of Bengal, Abul Huq. “I am convinced that if America took the lead and intervened, a solution of India’s problems would be easy. Both the Indian and the British leaders are unrealistic.” The Hindu Mahasabha sent a message to President Roosevelt and .Marshal Chiang Kai-shek saying: “We urge you to intervene in the cause of an Allied victory and for the immediate formation of a National Government in India, based on Indian goodwill and. a declaration of Indian independence. The present handling of the situation is causing bitterness and exasperation. The situation demands immediate action. ” The British official attitude is mainly responsible for the deadlock, which is intensified by the Viceroy’s refusal to allow us to see • Gandhi.” '

POLICE FIRE, ON MOB. TEN ARRESTS AT BOMBAY, - (Roc. 11,15) NEW DELHI, Oct. 8. Three were killed and several injured when the police were forced to fire on an unruly mob at. Stravanbelagola, 85 miles from Bangalore. One policeman was killed. Ten persons were arrested at Bombay yesterday after an attack agajnst the police.