DOMINION STATUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 273, 18 November 1930, Page 7

DOMINION STATUS.

INDIA'S DEMANDS.

Delegates' Frank Expressions

At Conference.

DESIRE TOR TREEDOM.

(British Official Wireless.),

(Received 1.30 p.m.)

EUGBY, November .17.

When the plenary session of the Indian Round Table Conference opened this morning the Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDcnald, read a message from Lord Stamfordham, stating that the King had received with much satisfaction the communication expressing the dutiful thanks of the conference to him for undertaking the opening ceremony, and to the Queen for the kindly solicitude Her Majesty displayed towards the delegates.

Before the meeting proceeded with the agenda prepared by the business committee of the conference, the Prime Minister extended a cordial welcome to the delegates. He said that they must keep in mind two things: Firstly, that they were there to co-operate together; and, secondly, that they must be- animated by the determination to succeed.

An interesting discussion was provoked by a recommendation of the business committee that the question should he debated as to whether the future constitution of India should be on a Federal or unitary basis. It was suggested that the general trend of such a discussion would enable the conference, with the help of the committee, to frame a programme for future discussion in committee.

The Prime Minister indicated that he would, as chairman, rule that a liberal interpretation be put upon the committee's report and would allow delegates to refer to cognate questions.

Opening the general discussion upon the future constitution of India Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru said that it was perfectly natural such a country'as his, brought into contact with Western ideas, vibrating with the new movement of the East, should seek freedom within its own borders as an integral part of the British Commonwealth.

Indian wanted, and was determined to achieve, status and equality with the other three members of the Commonwealth which would give it a'Government, not merely responsible to 'but responsiVe to the popular voice. He, personally, believed that it would, not do to offer provincial autonomy unless it was coupled with a decided and clear change in the constitution of the Central Government which must be made responsible to the legislature.

•He. wae a strong believer in the Federal form of Government, and believed that therein lay the salvation of India. He would -welcome the association of the Indian States with British India mainly for. three reasons. They -would furnish a stabilising.factor in their stitution, the process of unification would begin ■without delay, and in regard to defence matters they would furnish the practical experience which was yet wanting in British India.

Referring to commerce, Tie said that there was not a single man afc the conference -who would- like to have any exproprietary legislation. Europeans were quite welcome to suggest any safeguards for their rights arid interests', and Indians would most willingly meet them. Regarding the Army, they realised that they had to train a sufficient number of their own men, which would require patience. What they required was an opportunity to train them and freedom to establish institutions.

"So far as your army is concerned," lie continued, "by all means keep it in the of the Viceroy. We on our part are willing, to provide funds and agree to statutory charges in Tespecfc of the army."

Gradual Process. The Maharajah of Bikanir said that the ultimate attainment of Dominion status was inherent in the declaration of policy of 1917 and had more recently received authoritative endorsement. Let them aim at that, fully realising that their sister. States did not reach that end at one stride. In the intervening stage certain safeguards and guarantees were imperatively necessary for the security of the body politic and all parts thereof.

Speaking from the Indian State;' viewpoint, he said that linked with their devotion to the Crown was unfaltering adherence to the British Commonwealth their contributions to, the greater prosperity and contentment of India as a ivhple. That could best be done through the' Federal system of government, composed of States and British India.

Mr. M. Jayakar, putting forward the point of view. of the younger generation in India, said this was a time of utmost importance 'because if India got (to-day what she. wanted, she would be satisfied with many things which would not satify her six months hence.

"If you give India Dominion status to-day, in the course of'._a few months tae , cry for independence will die of itself. If } on the other hand, we return empty handed, it will be the surest way of raising in volume and intensity this cry for independence."

Referring to the' Army question, lie fl aid that Indians would listen to any safeguards suggested during the period of transition in order to make it easier and safer for both sides.

■As for the minorities question, it could be solved by giving opportunities for common endeavour to Indians. That feeling could be created only by giving India complete freedom in the form of •Dominion status. Harness all the Minorities together and much of the discontent will disappear.

Young India, he said, did not insist upon impossible terms of federation, but only upon such terms as most Indian States at present were prepared to accept.

_ It was agreed that the general discussion now proceeding should extend over the mornings of three days and that the order of the speakers should, be prearranged.

After the discussion, which revealed some division of opinion, the president said that the general feeling was that the Press would not be admitted to tie general discussion but will have full and impartial information regarding the proceedings from three officers of the general Secretariat acting under the general control of a committee consisting of representatives of the British delegation, the Indian States and the British Indian-delegation.