REPORT ON INDIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 305, 22 November 1934, Page 2

REPORT ON INDIA.

UNFRIENDLY RECEPTION. Received November 22, 2.5 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 21. The Labourites on the Joint Selection Committee on Indian Reform voted against the report and set out alternative conclusions. They advocated a definite declaration in favour of Dominion status; increased representation for Labour and women, with a provision for adult suffrage within a period of years; restriction of the powers of intervention by Governors and Governor-Generals; the abolition of the Council of State, and a transference of foreign affairs to popular control. Commenting on the report, the Daily Mail says “the safeguards are pure eyewash. India will be handed over to the control of men thoroughly hostile to Britain. It is most important for the future safety of our countrymen in India that the maintenance and direction of the police should remain in British hands.”

The News-Chronicle says the report is at least a vast step towards selfgovernment. India would be wise to accept it and give it a fair trial. The Times says: “The report is too large and serious to admit of hasty conclusions. The dissentient views revealed two groups of approximately equal strength opposed to the majority. Fiv.e Conservatives thought the report too hasty and far-reaching and four Socialists deplored the caution of checks and safeguards. The dissentients cancel out each other.” A Delhi message says Indian opinion censures the failure of the committee to adopt the Indian ideal of Dominion status.