AFFAIRS IN INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20875, 18 May 1931, Page 9

AFFAIRS IN INDIA.

NEW IMPERIAL IDEAL.

METHOD OF GOVERNMENT.

VIEWS OF LORD IRWIN. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. British Wireless RUOBY, May 15. Lord Irwin, ex-Viceroy of India, was the guest of honour at a luncheon given by the British Indian Union, at which the Marquess of Reading, also a former Viceroy, presided. In responding lo the toast of his health, Lord Irwin said that in the next few years India and Indian affairs would very likely occupy an increasingly important place upon the political stage. A great constitutional responsibility rested upon the democracy of this country, and ho thought he could safely say that British democracy was a very sane instrument and could be relied upon to give a very sound judgment. Lord Irwin paid a tribute to the Government's loyally and sense of duty and lo its great services in India in a very difficult time. Another tribute was due to the Government in Britain for tho loyal fashion in which it had supported its officers in India through those difficult months and years. Development of Indian Thought. The speaker said he knew there was a feeling that if only the Government of India could have been what is called a " strong Government " the trouble would have been stopped and everything would have gono on happily. That he believed was a profound delusion. Even supposing the Government in India been able to enlist to-day tho support of public opinion for a policy sufficiently ruthless in character, and extended over a period sufficiently indefinite to achieve its purpose, he had no doubt that tho superficial tranquillity which would ensue from any such policy would bo a tranquillity of sullen acquiescence rather than any tranquillity of agreement.

What might be called the conception of Empire which did duty throughout the Victorian era had passed and was replaced by the new ideal of Imperial relations of partnership.

" Now we have grown into a family with new ideas in relation to our selfgoverning Dominions. Tho development of Indian thought is quito natural and inevitable," said Lord Irwin. Gandhi Anxious for Agreement. Referring to tho discrimination against British goods, Lord Irwin said it was one of the matters to be discussed with Gandhi when ho left Bombay. It was a question on which Gandhi had given him most specific and precise assurances. Three things must bo remembered; First, that tho economic development of India was bound in the long run to strengthen her effective purchasing powers in all fields; secondly, that so far as could be foreseen, if political tension ceased, there was bound to be for many years an unfilled gap which India could not fill for herself, and in regard to which British manufacturers would have their fair share; and thirdly, that the most important trado lived and could only live on the foundation and in the soil of good will. British trado was vitally concerned to see such a political adjustment of relations with India as would permit commerce to flow in its natural channel undisturbed by political upsets. In referring to Gandhi, the ex-Viceroy said that if ho carnc to London lie believed ho would strain every nerve to securo an agreement. MR. GANDHI AT SIMLA. MEETING WITH NEW VICEROY. AN ENCOURAGING INTERVIEW. i (Received May 17, 5.5 p.m.) CALCUTTA, May 16. Mr. Gandhi had an hour's conversation with tho Viceroy, Viscount Willingdon, at Simla yesterday. He said the interview was "healthy and good." There will be no further meetings at Simla. Mr. Gandhi is meeting Mr. T. Emerson, the Homo Secretary, to-day.