RULE OF INDIA

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1945, Page 5

RULE OF INDIA

Leaders’ Conference WITH LORD xyVAVELL. LONDON, June 25. Twenty-one Indian lead'ers were present at the opening of the conference with the Viceroy (Lord Wavell( in Simla to-day. Mr Gandhi is not attending, though he is in Simla. A British United Press correspondent there stated: One of the main sources of comment at the Simla conference may yet prove to be Mr Gandhi’s decision not to participate officially. The rank and file of the Congress Party believe that Mr Gandhi refused to participate because he .could not get. sufficient) satisfaction from Lord Wavell when he interviewed him and consequently, believes that the talks will fail. Mr Gandhi’s decision has caused considerable pessimism over the outcome of the cpnference. A friend of the Moslem leader, Dr Jinnah said: Dr Jinanh is distressed and hurt at Mr Gandhi’s attitude and Dr Jinnah would not -under any circumstances talk with Mr Azad, the Congress President.” With the chances of a Mos-lem-Hindu settlement thus minimised the Moslems accused Mr Gandhi of torpedoing the conference. It is understood Mr Gandhi will be available for consultation. A report says that Mr Gandhi is exhausted and needs rest. It is understood that an official statement will be issued at the end of each day’s proceedings. Lord Wavell in his conference speech said: “I called you together at this critical moment to advise and help me in advancing India toward prosperity, political freedom and greatness. I ask you to give me that help in a spirit of broad co-operation toward the good of India as a whole. It is not a cosntitutional settlement, and it is not a final solution of India’s complex problems that is proposed. .Nor does the plan in any way prejudge or prejudice the final issue but if it succeeds I am sure it will pave the way toward a settlement. We have got to rise above the level of old prejudices, enmities and party and sectional advantage and think of India, the good of 400,000,000 people, and how we can best combine and implement these -new proposals. You must accept my leadership for the present. Until there is some agreed change in the constitution, I am responsible to the Home Government for the good government and tranquility of India. I ask you to believe in me as a sincere' friend of India. On the column which stands in front of the Viceroy’s house, crowned by the Star of India, are engraved these words: Tn thought and faith, in words and wisdom, in deed and courage, in life and service, so may India be great.’ They will make a good guide for our conference.” A Simla Press correspondent stated: Optimism was noticeable in Simla on Monday night following the first day’s session of the important conference on India problems. Those attending round the tables are sworn to secrecy. One prominent member disclosed that the opening stages were going well. A suggestion had been made that Mr Gandhi should attend the conference as a visitor without taking part in the proceedings. Mi- Gandhi had informed Lord Wavell he had no official mandate from the Congress Party, but after seeing the Viceroy he stayed in Simla ready to give any advice needed unofficially. It is reported that the discussions reached a detailed stage and both Congress and Moslem League groups held long private meetings on Monday night after the session ended. Lord Wavell played golf. He was in a cheerful mood.