CONFERRING WITH INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20603, 30 June 1930, Page 8

CONFERRING WITH INDIA.

I Now that both volumes of the report of the Indian Commission have been published, interest will soon be transferred to the next step to be taken. In this connection a discussion of the position by the leaders of the three parties in the House of Commons is significant. October is to see a round table conference at which British India, the Indian States, and Great Britain are to be represented. Regarding the Indian delegates, the Viceroy has advised that he sees no course save that of invitation to attend "in consultation, where possible, with tho interests concerned." This seems to imply a large gathering, in which spokesmen for. Hindu and Moslem, for Brahmin and outcast, will sit together. But, as was suggested in London over a month ago, tho question of representatives for Britain, the third and not the least party to the conference, must bo considered. The Statutory Commission contained representatives of the three parties. It produced a unanimous report accepted by a wide range of opinion as a document of the highest value. After the October conference the whole question is to be considered by a Joint Parliamentary Committee which will include all parties in the House of Commons, and representatives of the House of Lords as well. The combined nature of the preceding and following bodies has suggested that tho delegation to the round table conference should also be drawn from all parties. The eliminalion of party from everyphase of the business appeals as a practical and helpful proceeding. In addition, as has already been remarked in London comment, Parliament will be in session in October, and the Imperial Conference will be sitting. Heavy calls will be made on the time of Cabinet members and other leading Government personages. Help from the Opposition would probably be very welcome at the Indian conference. The obvious desire to have all sections in accord over the steps to be taken indicates that a non-party, or all-party, delegation may be chosen for the momentous October proceedings.