OPTIMISTIC SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 62, 6 December 1930, Page 9

OPTIMISTIC SPIRIT

Indian Conference RAILWAYS AND CUSTOMS British Wireless. Rugby, December 4. As a result of the discussion continued to-day in the Federal Structure Sub-Committee of the Indian Round Table Conference, It was 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 businesslike manner in which this committee is handling Its task has stimulated the spirit of optimism in conference circles. It is understood that In its discussions there has been a complete 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 irit showed itself in the Provincial < institutional Sub-Commit-tee, which, under the chairmanship of the Foreign Secretary, 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 was formulated, and will be taken as the basis for future procedure. Among these questions were tbe following:— Is it impracticable to abolish the distinction between reserved and transferred subjects, reserved questions in the provinces being those which rested in the hands of the Government of India, and transferred subjects those which are placed under the control of provincial authorities? A further question formulated is, What, if any, provisions are necessary to safeguard, firstly, the administration of law and order; and, secondly, the rights of minorities or any other interests? Minorities Question. 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 occasion requires with the Minorities Committee. 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, firstly, to the Governors: secondly, to the Executive: thirdly, what conditions should be requisit for the exercise of this power: fourthly, 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.