THE NEW INDIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 281, 27 November 1930, Page 7

THE NEW INDIA.

FEDERATION BASIS.

Outline of Scheme for Debate by Conference. LORD SANKEY'S DRAFT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12 noon.) RUGBY, November 26. The Federal Relations Committee of the India Round Table Conference is summoned to meet to-morrow, when it is understood a request by the British India delegation for co-opting all the remaining British India members will be considered. The committee, which it 13 anticipated will be reconstituted as a committee of the whole conference, will meet on Friday as arranged, to commence study of the heads of the subjects which the Lord Chancellor, Lord Sankey, has drawn up. A list of the heads of subjects was issued to all the delegations this evening on the clear understanding , that their acceptance does not exclude from discussion. any other question, such, for example, as a unitary Government. If, however, the suggestion were accepted that the present and future prosperity of India can best be promoted by a federal union of all India, effected on principles just to all parties and persons • concerned so as to secure the diversified interests of the several States and provinces and ensure efficiency, harmony, and stability in the work of the union, then the following heads would, in Lord Sanlcey's opinion, afford a suitable basis for discussion: —

Firstly, the component elements of the federation. i Secondly, the type of federal legislature and the number of chambers of which it should consist. Thirdly, the: powers of the federal legislature. Fourthly, the number of members composing the federal legislature, and if the legislature is of more than one chamber, then of each chamber, and their distribution among the federation units. Fifthly, the. method whereby the representatives from British India and from-the Indian States are to be chosen. Sixthly, the constitution, character, powers, and responsibilities of the federal executive. Seventhly, the powers of the provincial legislatures. Eightly, the constitution, character, powers and responsibilities of the provincial executives. Ninthly, the provision to be made in order to secure the. willing co-operation of the minorities and their special interests. Tenthly, the question of establishing a Supreme Court and its jurisdiction. Eleventhly, defence forces. Twelfthly, the relations of the: federal executive and the' provincial executives to the Crown. ..