NAVAL DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22974, 28 February 1938, Page 11

NAVAL DEFENCE

NEW PLAN FOR INDIA PAYMENTS TO BRITAIN CESSATION CONDITIONS FLEET FOR CO-OPERATION By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received February 27, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, Feb. 26 Much interest has been aroused by • the announcement that the British Government will forgo, in future, the annual payments of a direct contribution amounting to £IOO,OOO toward the naval defence of India and miscellaneous charges of £15,000 to £20,000 on behalf of vessels of the Royal Navy, on certain conditions. These conditions are that India maintains a sea-going fleet of not less than six modern escort vessels free to cooperate with the Royal Navy in the defence of India, and in addition fulfils its responsibility for the local naval defence of Indian ports. In consideration of the services performed by the Royal- Navy, India has paid contributions of varying amounts since 1869.

CONGRESS MINISTRY RESIGNATION WITHDRAWN THE UNITES PROVINCES SITUATION IMPROVED (Received February 27, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, Feb. 26 Reports from India indicate that an agreement similar to that in the United Provinces—the Ministry of which has withdrawn its resignation — regarding the release of political prisoners is certain in Bihar. While the principle that there should be no indiscriminate release has been secured the Governor has expressed himself as willing to follow the advice of his Ministers in remitting the unexpired portions of sentences in cases already examined and the Ministers themselves will examine the remaining cases individually. In a joint communique issued at Lucknow by the Governor and Prime Minister of the United Provinces, it is stated that there is no reason to fear any usurpation or interference with the legitimate functions of the responsible. Ministers. "We are both desirous of maintaining healthy conventions, and with goodwill on both sides we hope to succeed." The Times says: —"Even more important than the aqtual terms of the compromise is the Ministers' withdrawal of their resignations. There is abundant evidence of the emergence of a new and welcome .political sense throughout India. Nothing has been said or done by the responsible elements in the Con—gress Party to aggravate the crisis;* The Nationalist press has shown admirable restraint in its comments and opponents the National' Congress I have made no attempt to make capital out of the dispute. "So far from shirking responsibility the leaders of that party, and particularly Mahatma Gandhi, have shown their genuine desire that the Congress Ministers should remain in office. They are strongly opposed to several ventures in the new Constitution, but they have made no attempt to convert the recent dispute into a campaign against the reforms as a whole. In short they have shown that they have abandoned their former negative attitude for a cooperative, constructive and constitutional policy, which will be of immense benefit to India as a whole. Both the Government of India and the leaders of the Indian Nationalist Party have emerged with great credit."