BRITISH PLANS FOR INDIA

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 15

BRITISH PLANS FOR INDIA

Viceroy's Support "SOUND AND WORKABLE FRAMEWORK" (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIBELESS.) (Received December 21, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, December 21. The first public announcement by the Government of India on the report of the Joint Select Committee was made last night before the European Association in Calcutta by Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy. He confirmed the assurance given by the president that the association considered the scheme laid down in the report as satisfactory, forming a reasonable basis for a constitution, as it would mark a notable step towards the goal of Dominion status proposed in 1919. Referring to the position of the Princes, he said he hoped that when the bill was laid on the table in the House of Commons the Princes would find their position adequately safeguarded. They would then stand by the promise and assurances of their representatives at the Round Table Conference that they would be willing partners in an All-India Federation. The Viceroy's speech made it clec.r that he regarded the 1 constitutional framework as sound and workable, making an immense advance t< ~ ; ble goverr • merit. His constant effort while in India, h- —id, had r.Vvays been to move India fcrwr.rd until she achieved her great desire to arrive at a complete position of equal partnership, within the Empire, with the other Dominions under the Crown.