INDIAN POLICY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 4, 4 December 1931, Page 7

INDIAN POLICY.

LABOUR ATTITUDE.

’DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.

(British Official Wireless.)

Received December 4, 11.30 a.m. RUGBY, Dec. 3. The debate on the Government’s Indian policy was continued in the House of Commons. The Labour attitude toward the Prime Minister’s pronouncement was stated by Major Atlee, who said he believed a solution of the questions between Europe and Asia largely depended on what was done by this country in its dealings with India. The Opposition welcomed the reaffirmation of the principles laid down at the beginning of the year. The method of negotiation, adopted by the conference was the only means of reaching a solution, but it was unfortunate that more time had not been given to the conference and that the discussion of certain essential matters had been confined to only a few days. Sir Samuel Hoare said that although the conference had failed in finding an agreement with regard to many fundamental questions and a great many details it had played a very useful part. As a result of the friendships and associations formed during the conference, the Indian controversy would never again be as bitter as in the past. Sir Samuel disputed the view expressed in some quarters that the idea of an All-India Federation had drifted into a vague background. He said that it still definitely held the field. After referring to safeguards, he defined the Government’s objective as, firstly, an All-India Federal executive, secondly, autonomous provinces, thirdly, safeguards, without which India’s safety and credit could not be maintained.

GOVERNMENT’S PLAN

RECEPTION IN INDIA,

CALCUTTA, Dec. 3. The Prime Minister’s speech winding up the conference was well received by the Press of India. There is great satisfaction at Mr MacDonald’s assurance at the final session that the Government would proceed with the Federal plan with all possible speed. The plan contemplates the fullest responsible government in the provinces as soon as the Act is passed through Parliament, and in the meantime the examination by committees in. India of problems of machinery that were not solved in London. Among Nationalist Indians there is a disposition to wait until Gandhi declares himself. If he consents to the Government policy there probably will be a split in Congress, and a secession of the Left Wing to restart the campaign of nonpayment of taxes. Should this prove correct the Government of India is likely to take drastic steps against tho instigators.