RULE OF INDIA

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1935, Page 7

RULE OF INDIA

GOVERNOR’S POWERS. PLENTY OF DISCRETION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 16. The instructions to the GovernorGeneral and Provincial Governors provided for in the Government of India Bill, are set out in a White Paper. The drafts are based, in the main, on the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee, and also contain some passages and phrases k included in the existing instructions. The latter include final instructions to the Gover-nor-General, under which the Gover-nor-General “should so exercise the trust reposed in him, that the partnership between India and the United Kingdom, within our Empire, may be furthered, to the end that India may attain its due place among our Dominions. ’ ’

The section which deals with the ixecutive authority of the Federation provides that the Governor-General ihall do all that in him lies to- main-

tain the standards of good administration, to encourage religious toleration, co-operation ami goodwill among all classes and creeds, and to promote all measures making for moral, social and economic welfare. The Governor-General’s powers are outlined regarding his selection of Ministers, and his discretion in following their advice, his responsibility for safeguarding the financial stability and credit of the Federation, an.l protection of the legitimate interests of minorities. The section of the drafts require consultation with the Finance Ministers on matters affecting the finances of the Federation, and joint consultation between the GovernorGeneral. his counsellors and his Ministers, in regard to the administration of the Departments of Defence. Among other provisions, instructions are given that in choosing representatives of British India for seats in the Council of State, the Governor-General by nominations, may redress, inequai ities in representation, which may have resulted from the election, particularly with regard to securing representation for scheduled castes and women. MAY BE SEPARATED. BURMA AND INDIA. RUGBY, February 15. The Secretary of State for India (Sir Samuel Hoare) has appointed M. L. C. M. S. Amery, Sir Sidney. Rowlatt, and Sir Walter Nicholson to constitute a tribunal to advise him on the formulation of a just financial settlement between India and Burma in the event of separation. The tribunal is now engaged upon the investigation, with the help of technical advisers.