Leaders Not Happy, But Think Plan is Right

Evening Star, Issue 26118, 4 June 1947, Page 5

Leaders Not Happy, But Think Plan is Right

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.| LONDON, June 3. ■ Mr Nehru, broadcasting Congress acceptance of the plan, said; “It is with no joy in my heart that I recommend these proposals, but I am convinced that our present decision is right. Maybe in this way we shall reach a united India sooner than we would have done otherwise, and on a surer foundation.” Mr Nehru said he would seek to build anew relations with England on a friendly and co-operative basis, forgetting the past, “ which has lain so heavily upon us.” He said the plan determined the end of violence. Mr Jinnah appealed to every community in India to maintain peace and harmony. He paid _ a tribute Mountbatten’s high sense of fairness and impartiality. “ The plan does not meet in some important respects with our views. It is for us to consider whether it should be accepted. Final decision can only be taken by the Moslem League Council.’ Mr Baldev Singh, broadcasting, said it was a great day—“We have closed a dreary chapter.” He added that the British plan steered a course obviously above conflicting Indian aims. “ It is not a compromise,” he said, “ I prefer to call it a ‘settlement. It does not please everybody—not the ; Sikh community anyway—but it is certainly something worth while. Let us take it at that. It would be untrue to say we are altogether happy. Our common quest for freedom need never have divided us.” Addressing himself to the services, who ” obviously are not uninfluenced by the great events taking place,” Mr Baldev Singh said they would not allow themselves. to be needlessly perturbed. ' Their interests would in no circumstances be allowed to suffer. He added that the Commander-in-Chief would broadcast in a few days a special message dealing with the problems “engaging their minds.”