Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1945, BRITAIN AND INDIA.

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 March 1945, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1945, BRITAIN AND INDIA.

INDIA has not been in the news during late weeks, Gandhi apparently ceasing from troubling, and the Congress being at rest, more or less. This silence does not mean that Hindus and Moslems, Sikhs and “untouchables” have settled their ’ differences, but rather that greater events in the war areas have crowded out publicity where Indian grievances are concerned. Since Gandhi was released from his palace-prison, sundry threats have been made of his ‘renewed hunger-strike, but whether this materialised was not announced. His chief colleague, Pandit Nehru, is still in gaol, as are other Congress leaders, but the less important mem- ■ bers have been given freedom. Meanwhile, critics in the U.S.A, of British policy in India have been eloquent, displaying ignorance of the real position. It is announced that Lord Wa veil’s visit to London is partly in connection with another effort to be made by the British Government to reach a settlement with the Indian Congress, Moslems, Princes and others. Self-government, with right to secede from the Empire, has been offered to the Indians, if they will agree among themselves as to the Constitution to be adopted. The Hindus, with their large majority, are eager to assume control, but the other sections will not consent, preferring British supervision to Hindu dictatorship. The last attempt by Gandhi and Dr.. Jinnah, the Moslem leader, to arrange a compromise ended in failure, "with relations worse after their talks than these were previously. The differences between the other factions are just as serious, and unless the Viceroy (Lord Wavell) has been achieving constructive successes in his private negotiations with the respective leaders, the hope that he will succeed where Sir Stafford Cripps—and others —failed does not appear to be very well-founded. Gandhi is in his 75th year, and his frail physique does not suggest that he will be long-living. His passing now would not have the effect it would have had some years ago, as it is believed that he lias lost much of his former influence with the masses, who will, of course, honour his memory. His successor is expected to be Pandit Nehru. Gandhi told the Congress in 1942: “Pandit Nehru is my legal heir. I am sure when I pass he will take up all the work that I do.” Nehru acts more than he reflects, and should he come into power, there may be little passive resistance .The masses admire him because of his sacrifice of riches and luxury to strive for the cause of Indian nationalism. He is opposed to Moslem proposals of Pakistan, and would grant home rule to none, except under Hindu supervision. He is also hostile to the Princes, and it is difficult to believe that he would prove to be "tlje native whom India lias so long awaited. His several terms in gaol have not lessened his dislike of British guardianship, but his more recent experiences may have weakened his opinions. The defeat of the Japanese, and the proved fallacy of the Japanese claim they were fighting for the principle of Asia for the Asiatics, instead of Asia for the Japanese, may have had some effect on Nehru’s policy and Congress determination. He is an advocate of Socialism and this may win for him Empire Labour support. The sequel to Lord Wavell’s visit to London will be awaited with interest. It would be of great benefit to the whole Empire if Anglo-Indian rela- . tions were based on firm friendship. ,