FEDERATION PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23169, 15 October 1938, Page 14

FEDERATION PLAN

BEGINNING IN INDIA IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS VICEROY'S VISIT TO LONDON CONFERENCES WITH PREMIER By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Oct. 13 Important developments in the inauguration of Indian federation are expected as the outcome of the visit to London of the Viceroy, the Marquess of Linlithgow, who left for India yesterday after four months of conferences with the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, and the Secretary of State for India, the Marquess of Zetland.

It is understood Lord Linlithgow will arrange for the rulers in the Indian States to determine their attitude on accession to the federation. Their replies are expected by the middle of next year, and will decide finally the fato of the federation.

DEFENCE PROBLEMS COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED PROPOSED INVESTIGATION British Wireless RUGBY, Oct. 13 In accordance with the decision made by Britain in December, at the invitation of the Indian Government, the following expert committee on Indian defence has been constituted:—

The former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Lord Chatfield, who will act as chairman; Sir Ernest J. Strohmenger, formerly deputy-chair-man of the Unemployment Assistance Board; Major-General Sir B. N. Ser-gison-Brooke, who served on the General Staff, Eastern Command, India, for three years; Air Vice-Marshal C. L. Courtney, Air Officer Commanding the British Forces in Irak; and Major-Gen-eral C. J. E. Auckinlcck. deputy-Chief of General Staff, Army Headquarters. India.

The committee has already been taking evidence in London since the beginning of the month, and will go to India on October 28.