INDIA’S PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 65, 10 December 1930, Page 11

INDIA’S PROBLEMS

Hindu-Moslem Question POSITION OF BURMA Powers of Government (Rec. December 9, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless. Rugby, December 8. There have been informal and perfectly friendly discussions between the Hindu and Moslem delegates to the Round Table Conference with the object of reaching adjustments on the minority question. Meanwhile, reports that the. Government has taken sides in the so-called deadlock on this difficult issue are authoritatively described as absolutely untrue. The Government has not yet approached the subject at all, and while naturally it is taking a keen interest in it it continues to regard the solution as primarily a matter for the Indian communities. Three Sub-Committees of the Conference are at work on the subject of Federal Relations, Provincial Constitutions, and India-Burma separation. The Federal Relations Sub-Committee is n eeting twice daily in the hope that the report will be ready for presentation to the final Conference early next week. Participation Conditions. “It Is understood that those delegates who take the view that federation is the only practicable method of achieveing a united India, have expressed frankly their views on the conditions on which they are willing to participate. They feel that the States should enter the scheme individually by separate conventions, and that all States could retain theirsovereignty and full internal independence, save where sovereignty may be sacrificed for federal purposes.

Before any final decision Is reached, however, the Princes desire a precise elucidation of the position in regard to finance and the provinces in British India, and it has been made clear in the discussions that they would be prepared to federate with British India as it is to-day. A unitary federation in which the States and British India would work together in the same federal bodies was favoured, with the Princes, or their representatives, in both Chambers. Regarding reserved subjects, such as defence, external relations, etc., it was suggested that, during the transitional period, they must be in charge of the Viceroy, but should ultimately also become federal subjects. Separation of Burma,

The discussion at the Burma Subcommittee ranged over a wide field under the following headings:—Firstly, the nature of the constitutional advance of Burma on separation; secondly, the best method for securing the interests of minorities, which should be given adequate protection; thirdly, the procedure for necessary financial settlements between India and Burma, and arrangements for the defence of Burma after separation; fourthly, the desirability for continuing central services, such as scientific services; and, fifthly, the desirability of promoting suitable arrangements to facilitate trade between India and Burma.

The Committee considers that when the details of the constitution of Burma were being discussed, the fullest opportunity should be given all minorities and to the Government of India to represent their views, and to state the nature and extent of the safeguards considered necessary. The Committee considers also that adequate attention should be paid to the question of immigration of Indian labour, and that provision should be made for the regulation of the conditions of work and the life of the immigrants. The Committee also specially stressed the importance of there being no discrimination regarding Indian/; entering Burma. Governor’s Authority. The Provincial Constitutional Subcommittee discussed the heading dealing with the constitution and the composition of the executive powers of the Governor vis-a-vis, his executive, and the legislative administration of law and order, and the right of minorities in provinces. The discussion was general, and followed a general agreement which was reached favouring the abolition of dyarchy. It revealed a general feeling favouring the administration of law and order, to the appointment of official Ministers, and to statutory provisions creating a Chief Minister for the Government. Views for and against a second Chamber were expressed. Regarding the powers of the Governor, it was agreed that he should be invested with certain powers in the event f a breakdown of Government, but there was general opposition to the powers of ratification of Bills passed by the Legislature, and to the restoration of grants already cut down. YOUTHS RUN AMOK Bengal Official Slain SECRETARY WOUNDED Delhi, December 8. A sensation was caused in Calcutta by the murder of Lieutenant-Colonel Simpson, Inspector-General of Prisons in Bengal, by three young Bengalis in his office. Mr. Nelson, judicial secretary, was wounded. The assailants entered the secretariat buildings and forced their way to Lieutenant-Colonel Simpson’s room and fired six shots, killing him instantly. They then dashed along the veranda shooting wildly, and then entered Mr. Nelson’s room, shooting him in the leg. One of the murderers then poisoned himself. The other two shot themselves, and are at present in a critical condition.

The three Bengalis also fired at an American in the Passport Office and missed him. It is believed that one of the wounded Bengalis was implicated in the murder last August of Francis Lowman, Inspector-General of Police, in Bengal.