INDIA CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 November 1930, Page 5

INDIA CONFERENCE

KING OPENS PROCEEDINGS

SOME GORGEOUS TURBANS

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.]

(Recd. Nov. 13, 11 a.m.) LONDON, November 12

Not even when Warren Hastings was tried at Westminster Hall, did India so fill the stage at the Empire’s capital, as to-day, when the KingEmperor opened the oval table conference in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords. The turbans and head-dresses of the Indian delegates, white, grey, blue, black, crimson, scarlet, and yellow, contrasting with the dark clothes, almost universally worn, even by ths Indians, stood out as bold splashes of colour against the bareheaded Britons. The 83 delegates included rulers of great States, bearers of famous ancient names such as the* Maharajah of Alwar of the most ancient Rajput blood, the Maharajah of Bikaniar, who signed the Peace Treaty, and Ranjitsinhji. Representatives of British India included Aga Khan, in hornrimmed spectacles, and U Ba Pe (Burman) in pink turban and green skirt. Tejbahdur Sapru, and Hirinah, who the boycott Of the Simon Commission, Srinivasa Sastri, who visited Australia and New Zealand and represented the Indian Government. Two women, Begum Shah Nawaz and Mrs Subbarayan, who was educated at Oxford, Sir J. Simon, Lord Burnham and other members of the Simon Commission were amongst the spectators.

Mr Scullin, Mr Forbes, Mr Bennett, Mr Hertzog and Sir R. Squires occupied the front row of seats. The King, in his speech, described their presence as a happy augury in view of how much the future of the British Commonwealth of Nations depended on the outcome of the conference. The King, who spoke very clearly, stressed the unique character of the conference, and that never before had British and Indian statesmen and rulers met in one place round one table to discuss the future government of India, and to seek an agreement for the guidance of the British Parliament, about the foundations on which it must stand.

The King added: A decade is but a brief span in a nation’s life, yet this decade has witnessed not only India, but the nations of the British Commonwealth quickening in growth of ideals and aspirations of nationhood, defying the customary measurement of time. It is therefore, no surprise that as then contemplated, it has been necessary to review the results begun ten years ago and make provision for the future.

His Alajesty emphasised the Conference’s momentousness, especially the dependence of the whole British Commonwealth on the issue of the consultations. He referred to “the just claims of majorities, minorities, men and women town dwellers, tillers of the soil, land owners, tenants of the strong and rich, weak and poor, ;■!! races, creeds, and castes for whom I care deeply. 1 have no doubt the true foundation of self government is fusion of such divergent claims into mutual obligation and recognition of the fulfilment thereof.” His Alajesty concluded: “May your names go down to history as men who served India well, and whose endeavours advanced the happiness and prosperity of all my people.” After tho departure of the King, the Maharaja of Patiala, a most striking figure, tall and strongly built, in a black coat buttoned to the chin, light blue turban, very black beard, with carrings containing pearls as big as peas, moved that Mr MacDonald be chairman. Tho Aga Khan seconded the motion in seven words, and it was carried, on a show of hands. Air MacDonald denounced civil disorder and stressed the difficulties, but said there was much to give confidence in ifltiinate success. He mentioned the Dominion Prime Ministers’ presence as an earnest of the interest and goodwill of the Sister states. The Indian delegates’ speeches gave prominence to the idea expressed by the Maharajah of Kashmir, as “a position of honor and equality in the British Commonwealth of Nations.”

INDIAN SPEECHES.

LONDON, November 12.

Alone among the Indian speakers, Muslim Jinnah kept his speech secret till delivered. He is a typical AngloIndian ’Varsity man, and the only Indian in the room wearing a monocle, which in his lit of restlessness kept slipping from its socket. Jinnah went most direct of all for Dominion status: “India expects a translation of many declarations of self Government into action.” Turning to the front bench of Dominion spectators, where Mr Scullin and Mr Forbes were frequently engaged in close conversation, Jinnah plunged into prophecy: “I am glad you are here to witness the birth of a new Dominion to march beside you.” Those who knew Sastri in Australia. will not be surprised that he gave the most eloquent speech of all, culminating in a plea that the round table be hereafter known as the table of rounded wisdom and statesmanSl M:irahajah of Kashmir emphasised that as allies of Britain, the Princes stood solidly for the British connection. He affirmed that the Princes would not see the Conference fail through their fault. Mr Sastri referring to the Viceroy’s statement concerning the Dominion status, declared that the Conference’s allotted task was to interpret them literally, and translate them courageously into concrete proposals for tho benefit of India, and the increased glory of the Commonwealth.