India And Empire: Reports Said To Be Exaggerated

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1948, Page 6

India And Empire: Reports Said To Be Exaggerated

LONDON, October 15.

“Statements that the Prime Minister of India (Pandit Nehru) has alarmed the representatives of other Dominions, notably New Zealand and Australia, by declaring that India was getting out of the Commonwealth, are described as grossly exaggerated,” says the Australian Associated Press. “Pandit Nehru, according to official sources, has not made such a declaration. On the contrary, it is said that he has shown every anxiety to find a formula for solving an admittedly difficult problem. “The main trouble is in finding a way of reconciling India’s declared policy of becoming an independent republic, and its relations with the Commonwealth.

Realistic View

“Dominions representatives who have talked with Pandit Nehru are impressed with his realistic view of the problem. Some acclaim him as the outstanding man of the conference, both in the plenary sessions and in group talks outside the conference room. These representatives say that . Pandit Nehru approaches every subject with a full appreciation of India’s importance in ‘the family.’ “Pandit Nehru has no illusions about the immediate ■ strategic importance of India, and does not hesitate to express the belief that its future place will be that of leadership in South-east Asia. Pandit Nehru’s approach to the prbolem of India remaining in the Commonwealth is said to be warm and friendly. “Those who have talked with him on the subject express the belief that the chances of India remaining in ‘the family’ were never better. They add that if an acceptable formula can be found, they are confident Pandit Nehru will sponsor it before the Indian Constituent Assembly. No Dominions representative is prepared to say, at this stage, what the formula will be. It may not be possible to make one before the conference ends. Change of Title Urged “Some representatives think it might be worked out on a changed title; others' say it would be possible for India to become a republic, yet keep its ties with the rest of ‘the family’ by the reversion of some functions to His Majesty the King. Others again are thinking of an acceptable formula which would regard His Majesty in the warmer sense of the Royal family than as being symbolic of the Crown.

“Behind the scenes, talks are being greatly influenced by the growing realisation that a major part of the Commonwealth has mutual interests and problems in the Pacific and South-east Asia. Many subjects that have come before the conference have a mutual interest for New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa,’lndia, Pakistan and Ceylon. “There is a growing belief that these issues—prominently trade and defence developments—can best be solved by all Dominions remaining in the. Commonwealth, bound by a symbol.” “Very Satisfactory Progress

The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Fraser), commenting on the first plenary session of the conference, said that, while it was too early to discuss in detail what had been done, very satisfactory progress had been made.

“The outstanding feature of the conference, so far as it has proceeded,” said Mr Fraser, “has been the friendly and co-operative spirit which has marked all ' our discussions.”

On the economic side, New Zealand had made it plain that she would do everything possible to contribute ,to general plans for economic recovery. “Our part in this can be put very briefly,” said Mr Fraser. “It is to produce as much as possible. But we are handicapped to some extent by shortages of such things as fencing wire and other material supplies. Methods of improving this position will be discussed.”