DISCUSSIONS ON INDIA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25051, 6 December 1946, Page 7

DISCUSSIONS ON INDIA

LEADERS’ ATTITUDE UNCHANGED BRITISH GOVERNMENT AS MEDIATOR (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. December 4. The critical day in the discussions between members of the British Government and the Indian leaders may be to-morrow,” says the diplomatic correspondent of the Press Association. “As matters stand to-night there is little or no outward sign of unbending in the attitude of either of the Congress or Moslem League representatives. It has not so far been possible to arrange a joint round-table meeting of the British and Indian representatives. “To-morrow will be crucial, because it is the last full effective day of discussion if the Indian leaders are to reach Delhi in time for the opening session of the Constitutional Assembly on Monday. The British Government’s position in the discussions is clearly that of a mediator and not an arbitrator. It is hoped that the major Indian parties will reach agreement, but there is at present no sign of their doing so.” # The Minister of Home Affairs in the interim Government (Dr. U. Patel) 'said in Bombay to-day that Congress had accepted the invitation to London purely on the grounds of courtesy. “Whatever understanding may be reached in London, or whatever assurances may be given the Moslem League, a real understanding between Congress and the League can be reached only in India,” he added. "There is an unwritten understanding between the League and a section of the British ruling classes.” The Viceroy (Lord Wavell) and the Indian leaders will lunch with the King at Buckingham Palace to-mor-row.