PROBLEM OF INDIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 7 January 1935, Page 3

PROBLEM OF INDIA

SELF-GOVERNMENT ASPECT MAJOR ATTLEE’S CRITICISM (British Official Wireless! (Received 7th January, 11.40 a.m.) RUGBY, 5t January. In tlie second of his controversial broadcasts on the problem of India Major Attlee criticised the proposals of the Joint Select Committee for Indian Reforms on the ground that there was not a greater approach to the full satisfaction of Indian aspirations. Nevertheless it must be recognised that.tlie reforjjj# .lig.w recommended constituted' a very big advance over the present system of government in tlie provinces, although much depended on tlie spirit in which the reserved powers of the Governor were exercised. The Indians would have in 11 provinces control over nine-tenths of what concerned ordinary citizens, and they would have powers of self government comparable with those enjoyed by citizens of the most democratic States at the centre of tlie All Indian Federation. A pre-requisite to full selfgovernment was the constitutional principle;-.of responsibility. It was conceded that it would lie a mistake to lose) sight of \Vhat had been gained in regrets for what was withheld. They might all hope in spite of disappointment that the Indians would take full advantage of their wider opportunities of self-government, making the successful working of the new constitution an irresistible argument for its completion.