FUTURE OF INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20386, 15 October 1929, Page 11

FUTURE OF INDIA.

INTENTIONS OF LABOUR.

POLICY TO BE ANNOUNCED.

RUMOURS OF CHANGES.

DOMINION STATUS THE GOAL.

(Received October 11, 6.35 p.m.) Times Cable—United Service. LONDON. Oct. 14

The Sunday Times states that Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, before he returned to that country on Thursday was in close consultation with the Government about its future. Soon after he resumes his duties, a fortnight hence, he will make an important announcement as to future policy and one will be simultaneously made in the British Parliament.

It will be made clear,, says the paper, that the British Government adheres to the declaration of 1927, and it will be laid down in set terms that Dominion status for India is the goal to be aimed at when conditions make it practicable.

It is expected that Mr. Wedgwood Benn' Secretary of State for India, will go there this winter to arrange for a round-table conference, at which all shades of Indian opinion will be represented.

Lord Irwin's statement, it is understood, will not anticipate or prejudice the report of the Simon Commission but it will give a general indication of the lines of advance contemplated. " A warning is clearly required in regard to various rumours suggesting the imminence of a dramatic change of British policy toward India," says the Times.

" For instance, it is stated that Mr. Wedgwood Benn shortly will visit India to study the situation and it also is suggested that there is to be an announcement of a time limit within which India will bo given Dominion status, ignoring the report of the Simon Commission. " This must clearly provide material for the discussion of any constitutional changes.

" Moreover Mr. Wedgwood Benn does not intend to commit the mistake of anticipating the Commission's report by a tour or a definite promise regarding Dominion status.

" It would be unfair to the Government to assume that it contemplates a drastic reversal of the patient and sympathetic investigation which has been followed with complete unanimity by all parties in Britain."