Changes in India

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 65, 18 March 1937, Page 7

Changes in India

WILL CONGRESSMEN ACCEPT OFFICE? NEW DELHI, March 16. While Lord Linlithgow was mak ing a speech a* a dinner and declar ing that “faith and courage were need ed in order to serve the highest ends o; the people," Congressmen throughou’ India were meeting to decide whether to accept office in Provincial Legisla tures. Mahatma Ghandi, though he had n< official status, attended the working committee's preliminary discussion. It is everywhere recognised that hi* voice will determine the decision. The opinion is that acceptance may be substantiated, but it is generally held that stultifying conditions will be attached. The opinions of the delegates fall into three categories—(l) Opposition to acceptance owing to the view that it would mean the temporary abandonment of the extremist policy; (2) acceptance as a means of combating the constitution if necessary by deadlocks; (3) that the constitution, though far short of the party's demand, should be worked for the benefit of the people until a breakdown is forced. The party is not ready at present to conduct a comprehensive anti-constitutional campaign likely to influence the decision. Lord Linlithgow, in the course of the above mentioned speech, said it was inevitable that the advent of such profound constitutional changes would be accomplished by some degree of stress and difficulty but he was confident that adjustments will be made and that opportunities for useful and honourable service will be very great. COMMITTEE DECIDES TO ACCEPT OFFICE. NEW DELHI, March 16. The Working Committee of the National Congress Party has decided on acceptance of office on condition that assurances are given that the special powers of the Governors will not be' used.