INDIA SECRETARYSHIP

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 62, 15 March 1922, Page 5

INDIA SECRETARYSHIP

OPINION IN INDIA. A DIVERSITY OF VIEWS. (By Cable.—Press Assentation. —Coprrlght.) DELHI, March 14. The resignation of Mr. E. S. Montagu came as a bombshell in India. The impression is prevalent that the Viceroy's resignation is also involved, but the cases are regarded as not analogous. Among Indian members of the Council of State and the Legislative. Assembly there is much disappointment over the | resignation. > The newspapers disclose a remarkable | diversity of opinion. Sonic declare that Mr. Montajfti is one of the greatest men in India's hlLtory and is not able to be replaced. Others regard him as a political charlatan, responsible for the present seditious condition of the country. Most of the responsible organs consider that great credit is due to him for the boldness of his reforms, but condemn the alleged political expediency which made him undermine the power of the Indian Government, and adopt a policy of kid glove conciliation instead of firm action against sedition-mongering.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) MANIFESTO'S PUBLICATION. MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION. LONDON, March 14. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, replying to questions in the House of Commons, pointed out that Mr. E. S. Montagu circulated Lord Reading's message among the Cabinet Ministers on March 4 t and on the same day Mr. Montagu telegraphed authorising its publication in India. The Cabinet met on March C. Before the meeting Lord Curzon and he Mr. Chamberlain) agreed that publication of the message was not desirable. Both were then unaware that its publication could be prevented. Lord Curzon will reply to Mr. Montagu on Tuesday. The House of Commons is to debate the subject on Wednesday. The ''Daily Xews" emphasises the rumour that Lord Curzon is desirous of resigning owing to ill-health, but will not resign before the Montagu controversy is disposed of lest it be misinterpreted as a sequel thereto.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)