AGREEMENT QUERIED

Hawera Star, Volume L, 6 March 1931, Page 5

AGREEMENT QUERIED

SALT TAX IN INDIA CONSERVATIVES ALARMED POSSIBILITIES OF FUTURE. (United Press Association — By Electric Telegrapo Copy right) LONDON, March 5. Anxiety prevails in Conservative quarters at the nature of the agreement between Lord Irwin and Gandhi.

“The Times” utters a warning against h'astv conclusions. It says there is no prospect of complete tranquility just because Lord Irwin has convinced Gandhi that the way of cooperation is better than the way or conflict, nor is there any sense m talking about surrender until it is clear that some vital concession is made to the forces of disorder. The editorial severely criticises the attitude of Mr Winston Churchill and says the use of force has always am irresistible attraction for him. His speeches nerhaps remind Indians England has its extremists as well as they If India is to he saved it can onlv be by the way broadly indicated bv Mr Stanley Baldwin, who has done his utmost to prevent India becoming a party question.

CONTRASTING TONE. OCCASION OF REJOICING. CALCUTTA, March 5. News from Delhi of the agreement upon the salt tax question was received with rejoicing throughout India. It is recalled’ that Gandhi’s first , ultimatum was delivered to the Viceroy on March 3 last year and a settlement was arrived at on March 3 this year. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Congress working committee yesterday. Most of the leaders of Congress have left Delhi and returned to their respective provinces. The agreement was that coastal inhabitants would in future be permitted to gather, manufacture and sell salt without infringing the excise laws.

AIMS OF NEW VICSEOY

THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

LONDON, March 4. Enunciating three principles which would guide him as Viceroy, Lord Willingdon, to whom the Pilgrims’ Club gave a farewell dinner, said lie would seek eo-operation from the princes and tlic people in the spirit and the atmosphere of the Round Table Conference to lead India towards the goal of responsible government until she became an equal partner with the other Dominions. He would urge obedience to the laws throughout the country, said Lord Willingdon. The second principle was that of equality of opportuity, which was difficult where castes and communities were so numerous and different. The third was that a man’s character, not his colour, counted. “My greatest helper, as always, will he my wife,” the Viceroy added. His Majesty the King and the Duke of Connaught sent a message wishing Lord Willingdon success.