INDIAN PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 28, 3 January 1931, Page 7

INDIAN PROBLEM

QUESTION OF CONSTITUTION.

MODERATE OPINION HEARD

FEDERAL STRUCTURE COMMITTEE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY 2. Further progress with the work of the Indian Round Table Conference was made to-day when the Federal Structure sub-committee discussed the question of the constitution, character, powers and responsibility of the Federal Executive. The whole afternoon session was occupied with a speech by one of the leading representatives of moderate opinion in British India. Addressing himself to the constitution as it at present existed, he objected to the possession diy the Viceroy of certain powers respecting which he was really subject to the Secretary of State for India, and which the Viceroy had to exercise sometimes in a way contrary to his own views and those of the Executive Council. He objected to powers which prevented the Legislature from rising to its full height, and he contrasted the position in this respect with that prevailing in selfgoverning Dominions at present. He declared that neither the GovernorGeneral nor the Executive . answered to the Legislature. Their responsibility was to the Crown and Parliament through the Secretary of State. If the Legislature knew, that it was responsible and that its vote might throw out the Government it would act with more moderation in dealing with the problems of the Government and the administration. He would like the Governor-General to continue to be appointed bv the Crown as at present, and would like to make it impossible for the Com-mander-in-Chief to be a member of the Executive. He would not hesitate to replace the present Executive Council by a Ministry chosen from members or groups of members of the Legislature, representing the majority and workiiv under the leadership of the Prime Minister. . .

Obviously a period of transition would be necessary, during which certain subjects should, be reserved, for example, the armv and foreign policy. He recognised that there was need for caution and these subjects or any matter described as Crown subjects should be administered by a Minister appointed by the Governor-General, t<J, whom the Minister would be responsible. The rest of the Ministry should be selected from elected members of the Legislature. He suggested that subjects suitable for administration by the Ministers responsible to the Legislature might include the portfolios of Home Affairs, Industry and Labour, and Commerce and Labour. He asked that the Governor-General’s choice of a Minister of the Crown should be without restriction as to race and thought. The Army portfolio might well go to an Indian.

He said that it should not be difficult to fashion a clause iu the constitution acknowledging in the clearest terms India’s liability to meet her debts and interest. Every decentminded Indian was prepared to stand by any liability inherited, and he desired also to see thj .pensions, salaries and allowances of tu« services protected in every way. In conclusion, he appealed to Britain, whose Government had done more for liberty than any Government in the world, to restore India’s faith and, notably, that of those who in many cases were in gaol because of acts done arising out of a lack of faith. SYSTEM OF ELECTION. During the morning session of the sub-committee the subject of direct or indirect election was discussed and there was general agreement that indirect election was' the only possible system for the Upper House, while direct election was largely favoured for the Lower House. Regarding the latter, there was full recognition of the difficulties due to the size of constituencies, wich might extend to 60,000 square miles in some rural areas, and the impracticability of contact between the constituents and representatives. It was felt thdt a too precise definition of direct election need not be insisted upon. During the discussion on tlio question of the constitution, character, powers and responsibilities of the Federal Executive, the chairman, Lord Sanlcey, observed that it would be useless for Great Britain to suggest to India something which was not worth having, and equally useless for India to demand what Great Britain could not at present grant. It is anticipated that the Federal Structure sub-committee will completo its discussions by Thursday, and that during the following week the report which will be prepared by its chairman, Lord Sankey, .will be available for consideration. SERIOUS RIOTING AT BOMBAY.. , DELHI, Jan. 2. New Year was ushered in at Bombay by serious rioting. Nearly 7 200 persons were injured, 33 seriously. Congress had planned a midnight meeting to celebrate the first anniversary of the passing of the Independence resolution. Large crowds who had collected in various parts of the city were dispersed. The police were stoned, fifteen constables and two sergeants being injured. The police fired twelve rounds, and nine persons were injured by bullets. - • - „ Similar disturbances occurred elsewhere, but the city was quiet at dawn. BURMESE REBELS ROUTED.

DELHI, Jan. 2. Optimistic officials say that they will crush the Burma rebellion in a fortnight. ■» Eight hundred rebels who attacked Major Hare’s troops met with a hot reception. The Punjabis maintained their fire for an hour and a half, killing many rebels, including leaders. A large number of Burmese daggers, some guns, and a red flag were seized.