CRITICAL STAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1946, Page 7

CRITICAL STAGE

INDIAN LEADERS’ TALKS IN LONDON NO SIGN OF UNBENDING (Rec. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 5. The critical day in the discussions between members of the British Government and the Indian leaders may be to-morrow, says the Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent. As matters stand to-night there is little oi\ no outward sign of unbending in'the atitude either of the Congress Party or the Moslenj, League representatives. It has not so far been found possible to arrange a joint round-table meeting of the British and Indian representatives.

The correspondent adds that tomorrow will be crucial because it is the last full effective day of the discussion if the Indian leaders are to reach Delhi in time for the opening session of the constitutional assembly on December 9. The British Government’s position in the discussions is clearly that of mediator, not an arbitrator. It is hoped that the major Indian parties will reach an agreement, but there is at present no sign of their doing so. The Viceroy, Lord Waveil, and the Indian leaders will have lunch with the King at Buckingham Palace tomorrow. The Home Minister, Mr. Patel, said in Bombay to-day that the Congress Party accepted the London invitation purely on the grounds of courtesy’. “Whatever understanding may be reached in London, or whatever assurances may be given the Moslem League, real understanding between Congress and the league can be reached only in India,” he said. “There is an unwritten understanding between the league and a section of the British ruling, classes.”