THE CONFERENCE ON INDIA.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20104, 6 December 1930, Page 17

THE CONFERENCE ON INDIA.

SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM. A GENERAL DISCUSSION. ? (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, December 4. As the result of a discussion the Federal Structure Sub-Committee .of the Indian Round-Table Conference decided to add provisionally the two important subjects of railways and maritime customs to the list of subjects reported yesterday, which may tentatively be considered of common concern as between British India and the Indian States. The manner in which this Committee is handling its task has stimulated the spirit of optimism felt in Coi ierence circles. It is stated that in its discussions there has been a com-, plete absence of attempts to ignore mere debating points, and a genuine and unanimous desire to help forward the work entrusted to the Committee. The same spirit showed itself in the Provincial Constitutional Sub-Commit-tee, which, under chairmanship of the Foreign Secretary (Mr Arthur Henderson) held its first meeting to-day. Following the example set by Lord Sankey's Committee it engaged in a general discussion, from which a series of concrete questions were formulated which will be taken as the basis of future procedure. Among these questions were the following:— It is impracticable to abolish the distinction between reserved and transferred subjects, reserved questions in the Provinces being those which rest in the hands of the Government of India, and transferred subjects those which are placed under the control of the Provincial authorities. A further question formulated is what, if any, provisions are necessary to safeguard, (1) the administration of law and order, and (2) the rights of minorities, or any other interests. Although a special committee has been set up to deal with the minorities question, the position of minorities in any Provincial constitution must, of necessity, be considered by this- committee, which in future will doubtless join forces, as the occasion requires, with the Minorities Committee. Questions Propounded. Other questions propounded are:— Should all special powers be exercised by the Governor, or should some be exercised by the executive as a whole? Where should the Governor obtain the advice necessary for the exercise of his special powers? Should any provision be made, in the event of a breakdown in the normal constitution? And, if so, what emergency powers should be given, (1) to Governors, (2) to the executive? What conditions should be requisite for the exercise of this power? Under what safeguards should they be exercised? The committee charged with considering the conditions enabling .Burma to be separated from India will hold its first meeting to-morrow, and it is probable that Lord Russell will be chairman.'