REAL WORK AHEAD

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 52, 25 November 1930, Page 9

REAL WORK AHEAD

Indian Conference FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK Unanimity of Speeches British Wireless. Rugby, November 28. The Indian Round Table Conference will begin its real work on Monday, when the first meeting of the Federal Relations Committee will set about the task of translating the general agreement which emerged from the five days' plenary session into practical proposals for submission, first to the Conference, and ultimately to Parliament. A hopeful view of the prospects is taken by the Press. “The Times” comments on the remarkable unanimity shown in the speeches. “Perhaps the most hopeful impression left by the debate is that It has at least placed the abstract concep tlons of status and federation in their proper order,” says “The Times.” "Status is coming to be recognised as a matter of achievement, not of gift. There can be no progress in the discussion of any committee over details till the broad outlines of the structure are settled. Sceptics are asking already how long a great ideal of these few days will survive the next stages of the Conference, for whatever else it may imply, there is no doubt that federation does mean definite sacrifice on the part of all its members. Welcome Appointment. “The appointment of a vast Committee on Federal Relations may, however, be hailed for the moment as a welcome sign that the new idea predominates.” “The Times” records two personal impressions of the long discussion: Firstly, the spontaneous and prolonged applause which greeted every , mention of the Viceroy, Lord Irwin; and, secondly, that the Prime Minister proved himself a tactful, sympathetic, and infinitely patient chairman. The “Morning. Post,” while not un dervaluing the power of words, says; “The problems of defence of the frontiers, the maintenance of law and order the rights of minorities, and the protection of British interests remain. The federal proposal has at least the advantage of bringing in the Princes, who are a stable and conservative element, but everything depends on the manner in which the- principle is applied and whether it can be reconciled with those things which the Simon Commission rightly held essential.” Britain’s Policy. The “Manchester Guardian” says:— “The British policy In India since the war has been entirely consistent and, with sincerity, it declared the firm intention that India should enjoy complete self-government within the Empire, reaching the ultimate aim by stages. Events have shown that there is a ’conflict between the British view, which is based on the necessity for gradualness, and the Indian demand for all or nothing. The offer of the Indian Princes to come at once into an all-ludia Federation has ended this conflict because they will Introduce into the Legislature the element of balance—racial, religious, and political. The Princes, however, will assuredly make conditions, the minority communities will demand safeguards, and the British Government will require some measure of control of the Army and of foreign affairs. For the tlmo being, the British-Indian, delegates have very definite ideas to to what constitutes a democratic institution. But, these difficulties are adjustable and it Is for the Committee to adjust them.” ‘'Demand a Pikestaff.” The “Daily' Herald” says that the Indian demand is a pikestaff and it is for the Committeo to discuss not whether, but how, India is to have full self-government. It is a supremely difficult, but not an insuperable task. The delegation of Princes to the Indian Round-Table Conference had a further meeting on Saturday, at which the position of the States was again considered. It is understood that for the present they have decided not to place any detailed plan before the Federal Relations Committee of the Conference. The conditions upon whicli they would be willing to join with British India in federation were clearly stated in the speeches at the plenary session. They are summarised by “The Observer’” as follows Firstly, that the Crown shall remain. Secondly, that the Army and foreign affairs shall be left In the hands of paramount Power. Thirdly, that the States shall bo given equal representation with British India. Fourthly, that th ir rights shaU be clearly defined before Fcderatl0 Fifthly, that a Federal Supreme Court shall be set up which will decide all judicial disputes. In addition, it has been made clear that while the Princes would not tolerate interference by a Federal author tty in disputes between themselves and their subjects, they are prepared to make important concessions of which the most important is their jeadiness to enter the Federation. Ihe Observer” says that they are also prepared to concede that the currency, tariffs and railways should be regarded among the matters of common concern to the States and the rest of India, which should be in the hands of the Federal authority.