INDIA.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18722, 19 June 1926, Page 8

INDIA.

" LAND OF WONDERS."

LORD READING'S RETURN.

(raOM OTO OWH cOBBESPOHDIKT.)

LONDON, May L

The Marquis of Beading, speaking ata welcome-home banquet of the Pilgrims of Great Britain, said:— "There are ex-Viceroys present. I know that I shall carry, them with me wholeheartedly, as well as those who are ex-Governors, when I express the gratitude of all of us who have had to be at the head of administration in India, to that magnificent body of men who constitute the Indian Civil Service. (Cheers.) Throughout my experience of India I haver' received the greatest Assistance, the utmost loyalty and devotion from them. I know that there was a time when they were dissatisfied. Fortunately, as a result of the report of Lord Lee's Commission, wo have been able to give, if not complete contentment—because that you can expect from no Service —at least satisfaction. I am glad to say that nowadays the Service is working as well as ever _it did. It is again enhancing, I verily believe, the traditions of the Civil Service of the past. I cannot but say to you that I believe there is still the same demand, the same necessity for British yojith in India, as there has been in the past. (Cheers.) There are fewer posts, of course; that must be understood. We are embarked upon tlie policy of Indianisation of the Ser- . .vices.' We have pledged our word—the I greatest asset that tJio British Empire possesses in India—the pledged, word; and what we have said we shall carry out to' the la3t degree. But yet there are • these opportunities. I believe, indeed, that the need for quality at this moment, in British youth for service'in India is more insistent than ever. In my view, as- the result of much experience of observation, it js the combination of courage, tenacity, fairmindedness, and devotion to duty that makes these young men who go there and undertake large responsibilities when they are almost in the early 'twenties, that enables theui to contribute to the success of the Welfare of India within the Empire. (Cheers.) I have left India with : the deepest regret. It is a. fascinating land of wonders, of mysteries, of contrasts.. The Indian, gentleman, is distinguished by his courtesy aud his dignity, and also by his 'sensitiveness to kindness and consideration. There have been, there are, differences between British and Indian politicians at this moment. I shall not touch upon them. I agree entirely with Lord Birkenhead when he said it is undesirable to reawaken the old memories, arid it is for my part far too late to deal with present conditions, but I do Want to say this to you, knowing perhaps • as I do more of India than can be expected of you: Do not let yourselves become 'despondent about' India; do not let your minds be carried into regions of hostility to India by . any sensational accounts you may chance to read. Eemember that India is a part of - the British Empire.

Empire .Responsibilities. "I have returned with a far wider, understanding of the responsibilities of the British Empire, with, a far greater conception of the- powers and the obligations of Britain throughout the Empire, and with a larger knowledge, I believe, of what is necessary to make a real' union between India and ourselves. I believe that as time progresses India will understand better' that we do truly mean what we. have said, and j that we shall not ■ depart from the promises we have made. Five Govern-, mftnts have stood firm; they have never yet varied one iota from the declarations made or from the proclamations 'of his • Majesty the King. Five Governments have determined to ■do ,all they could to advance India to the attainment of the goal she seeks for herself and we have destined for and, in my judgment, as a result of deep reflection upon the subject,;! say with'all ; earnestness that I believe truly that the time will come when there will be a complete and willing union between India and Britain,-when the relations between them will-have emerged from this racial hostility or antagonism, when the Indian will have banished his suspicion and distrust, when he will have realised that, the pledged .word of the British Parliament is as sacred as any' in humanity, and when he will understand, as t hope, and, indeed, believe he will, that it is' in the community of interests, in the Community of purpose, : and in the community of ideals, thai ' lies the true future of the union between ; Britain and India as part of the British' Empire, and it is in the consummation of that destiny marked for her "that I am utterly convinced lies the surest way for her welfare, for her - happiness, and fqr. the prosperity of her people." (Cheers.)