HOME RULE FOR INDIA.

North Otago Times, Volume CVI, Issue 13981, 17 November 1917, Page 6

HOME RULE FOR INDIA.

FIRST STEP TAKEN.//! k ' ~,ii f * , "k flrsrinatafmcnt of Homo Bute f6r, India was promised in'the House of. Commons, jeceutly. /fliisiwas disced p> the now Secrotarj "foi India, Hr, Montagu, in a bi icf statomont made nt question timo in ahswor to Mr Charles, Roberts, which appeared tne Ilousc bj surprise Ncithei by cheering noi in any other way did membciH signify their feelings on tho gient 10 form foioshadowed, A few Indians in tho public galleiies lioaul tho news at fiiHt hand, Mi Montagu said! Tho policy of His Majesty'b Government, with whicji the Government of India aio m com plete nccoid, is that of the increasing association of Indians in ovory branch 9t the Admimstiation aud the gradual de\elopment ol sell governing mstitu tions, ruth a mow to the piogiessne ealisation of responsible government m India aB an mtcgial pait of the Batish Umpire The) have decided that sub ■Unntial steps m this ilucction should bo taken' as soon as possible, and that it - 'is of the highest importance that there should bo a free exchange of opinion between those in authority at Homo and in India, His Majesty's GoTernment' have accordingly .'derided, with Uis Majesty's approval, that I should accept the Viceroy's invitation to proceed to India to consider with the Viceroy the views of local governments and to receive with him the suggestions of representative bodies and others. Progress in this policy can be achieved only-by successive stages, Tho (wo Governments must bo tho judges of tho time and measure of each ad-

vauce, and they must be guided by the .co-operation received and by the extent to' which it is found that confidence can be reposed. The proposals will be submitted to Parliament, v Replying to niiothcr question, Mr Montagu said: 'flie Government have decided on. the admission of Indians to commissioned rank in His Majesty's Army, am] steps are being taken accordingly for the grant of nine commissions to Indian officers belonging to the Native Indian Laud Forces'who have served in the field in the war. The General, conditions under which Tndians should in future .be eligible for commissions fire under discussion .between, the Government of India and myself. I shall in due course consult tlio Army.Council. '