REFORMS IN INDIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 17 March 1937, Page 5

REFORMS IN INDIA

ATTITUDE OF CONGRESS IMPORTANT DECISION AWAITED MR GIIANDI’S INFLUENCE (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) NEW DELHI, 16th March. While the Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, during a speech at a dinner was declaring that “Faith and courage were needed in order to serve the highest ends of the people,” Congressmen from all over India were holding a meeting to decide whether to accept office in the provincial legislatures Mr Ghandi, though he has no official status, attended the working committee's preliminary discussion. Everywhere it is recognised that his voice will determine the decision. The general opinion favouring acceptance may be substantiated, but it is generally held that stultifying conditions will be attached. The opinions of delegates fall in three categories: (1) Opposition to acceptance owing to the view that it would mean 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 was forced. The party's unreadiness at present to conduct a comprehensive anti-Con-stitutional campaign, is likely to influence the decision. Lord Linlithgow, in the course of his speech, said the inevitable advent of such profound constitutional changes accompanied some degree of stress and difficulty, but he was confident adjustments will be made. The opportunities for useful and honourable service were very great.