BRITAIN’S DESIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21979, 25 March 1946, Page 3

BRITAIN’S DESIRE

INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE MISSION’S REAFFIRMATION SPEEDY CHANGE OF POWER (10 a.m.) KARACHI, March 24. Two members of the British Cabinet mission to India, Sir Stafford Cripps and Lord Pethick-Lawrence, arrived by air. . , “We bring, on behalf of the British Government, and people, a message of cordial friendship and goodwill,” said Lord Pethick-Lawrence. “We are convinced that India is on the threshold of a very great future when, in the exercise of her freedom, she will stand for the preservation of civilisation in the East and bring her great _ influence to bear in the councils of nations.

"We come with but one purpose—-to discuss with India’s leaders and elected representatives how best to speed the fulfilment of your aspirations to take full control of your own affairs and thus enable us to complete the transfer of responsibility with pride and honour to ourselves.

"The British Government and people desire, without reservation, to consummate their promises and pledges. We assure you we shall not seek to provide for anything that in any way is not compatible with India's sovereign dignity. "The precise road towards the final structure of India's independence is not yet clear, but let the vision of it inspire us all in renewed efforts to find the path of co-operation. I am confident that we will face the task together in faith and with determination to succeed.”