INDIAN PROBLEMS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 11 September 1930, Page 9

INDIAN PROBLEMS

LATE EDITION

SEEKING A SOLUTION

CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS.

HOPE EORi WORKING' SCHEME

(British Otilcial Wireless.) Received 1'2.4'5 'p.m. to-day. RUGBY, Sept. 10. The list is 'issued of t’hei Indian States’ representatives and the British. Indian, representatives invited by the Viceroy of India on behalf of His 'Majesty’s 'Government, to attend the Indian round-table conference which will meet- in, London in, a few weeks’ time. It is possible that, as a result of correspondence still proceeding, other names may be added to the list.

As it at present- stands this now contains the names of 116 representatives of Indian States .and 50 representatives of British India. Among the former appear such well-known Indian rulers and Statesmen’ as . the Maharajas of Bikanir, Alwar, [Patiala and X.iwanager. Thci last-named is familiar to English sportsmen as “R-angi, ” the famous cricketer. The British Indian names are representatives of all shades of politics, with the exception, of the Congress Party, ajncli all Indian communities, including the martial races, Indian Christians, “Untouchables,” the commercial community and the European community, with three representatives of Burma and two Indian women representatives. Among the names are those of the Aga Khan, Mr Jinmah (a prominent Moslem politician, who ’also enjoys, the ■confidences of the Hindus), Sir Tej Bahadur Sa.pru (the well-'known Liberal politician), Mr Sasti (a leading Hindu politician) and 'Sir Muhamad Shnfi (a leading Moslem politician). The round-table conference (will be a gathering of immense importance. The suggestion that it should be held was first- made in a letter to the, Prime Minister by Sir John Simon, chairman of the Indian Statutory Commission. It-s wide scope was indicated 1 by the Viceroy in his address to* the Indian Legislative two months ago, when he said': “His Majesty's Government conceives of the conference not as a mere meeting for discussion. Tout as a joint assembly of representatives of 'both countries, on whose agreement, precise proposals to Parliament may be founded.

'“The conference will thu3 enjoy an unfettered right of examining the whole problem in all its bearings, w-ith the knowledge that its labours are not of an academic mind a.nd His Majesty’s Government still hopes that Indians of all schools’ of thought, -whatever the attitude that some have hitherto taken, will be readiy to share in this constructive work.

“I see not reason why, from a. frank discussion on all sides, a' scheme might not emerge for submission to Parliament which twould confound the pessimism of those who would tell us that it is impossible for Great- .Britain and India, or for the various interests in India, to reach an agreement.” The names have not yet been, announced of the representatives' from the. Houses of Parliament. The Gov-v’-oytient has invited the leaders’ of the rt' Opposition! Parties to nominate representatives to attend the conference from both Houses, but the Prime [Minister has made it clear that while tho presence at the conference .of representatives of other Parliamentary parties would, in the Government’s view, lead to the removal of difficulties and differences, and would facilitate subsequent- legislation, tho Government could not throw off its constitutional responsibility and must retain complete freedom regarding the proposals it will, as the outcome of the conference, subsequently lay before Parliament.

By permission of the King-Emperor the conference will be helcl in St. .Tames’ Palace.