The New India: Anniversary Day Tributes

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 August 1948, Page 5

The New India: Anniversary Day Tributes

(Roc. 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 15

Lord Mountbntten, in a speech at the Albert. Hall, at the anniversary celebration of Indian independence, said that that great statesman, Pandit Nehru, and the fearless and honourable Governor-General Mr Rajagopalachari, were guiding the new Dominion along the path to future greatness. Lord Mountbatten praised Mr Gandhi. He said that no disagreement between himself and the Mahatma had ever lasted long. Sir Stafford Cripps said the granting of India’s independence on August 15, 1947, was an event

“without parallel in the annals of the world.” He said that although there was almost universal goodwill between the people of Britain and India, there were still a few “dyed in the wool Blimp-like reactionaries «■' who look back with nostalgic regret to the earlier epochs of British imperialism.” Established for Al! Time India's independence, he added, had been established for all time. There seemed every reason why a sensible arrangement should bo reached which would preserve India’s integrity and at the same time give the Slates and peoples the form of Government they desired. “We don't want to see the constitution, of economically impracticable independent States. We hone the troubles which arise will rapidly disappear so that India and Pakistan can be built on an economy untrammelled by external and internal difficulties.” . Pandit Nehru, broadcasting in New Delhi, urged the people to “build up a free, democratic India.” He said: “The only war we want to fight is the war against poverty. I want to say to all the nations, including Pakistan, that we stand for peace and friendship. The mighty resources of India, if utilised for the common good, can make India great and ■prosperous.” Message to the World In a message which Mr Krisha' Menon, the Indian High Commissioner, read in London, Pandit Nehru said: “We have faith in our country and in the message Mr Gandhi gave us. That message was not for India, but for the world. We believe the world will never gain peace through the methods of evil and violence. Freedom and democracy are essential for human progress. India cannot isolate herself. No nation can do so, for freedom becomes more and more indivisible.

According to a Bombay message, the Gaekwar of Baroda, who arrived today, said he would implement without delay the pledge he made to grant “full responsible government” to the people of Baroda. The Gaekwar said he would not abdicate. He appealed to his subjects “not to be emotional in those difficult times and assist me and my administration in maintaining law apd order.”