NO SUPPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 10

NO SUPPORT

INDIAN CONGRESS VITAL RESOLUTION MINISTERS TO RESIGN BRITAIN CRITICISED Hy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. Oct. 23 "In the circumstances the All-India Congress cannot possibly give support to Britain, for it would amount to endorsement of tho Imperialist policy which the Congress has always sought to end," declares a vitally important resolution by the Congress Working Committee, says a message from Wardha, India. The resolution denounces the statement by the Viceroy, the Marquess of Linlithgow. "Congress profoundly regrdts that the Indian situation has not been rightly understood by the British Government when authorising tho statement to be made on its behalf," states the resolution. Statement Unsatisfactory "The Viceroy's statement is wholly unsatisfactory, and is calculated to arouse resentment among all anxious to gain, and who intend to gain, India's independence. "The demand for a declaration of Britain's war aims is made not only on behalf of the people of India, but millions of people throughout the world, who arc weary of war and the violence of the Fascist and Imperial systems, which have exploited the nations and ultimately caused the war," continues the resolution. "It was made on behalf of all who yearn for a new order of peace and freedom "The Viceroy's statemeut is an unequivocal reiteration of tho old Imperialist policy, and tho committee regards tho mention of differences between the several parties as a screen to hide the true intentions of Britain.

Kights o! Minorities "What the committee asked for was a declaration of war aims as a test of Britain's bona fides regarding India, irrespective of the attitude of the opposing parties and groups. Congress lias always stood for an implicit guarantee of the rights of minorities. "The freedom which Congress demands is not freedom for Congress or any particular group, but for the nation as a whole. The only way to establish this freedom and ascertain the will of the nation is through the democratic process. The committee must, therefore, regard the Viceroy's statement as most unfortunate." The resolution declares that the first step in the refusal to support Britain will be an instruction to Congress Ministers to resign. The committee calls on ail Congress committees and Congressmen to be prepared for all developments and eventualities, and to show restraint, so that nothing may be said or done which will be inconsistent with India's honour or the principles for which Congress stands. The committee warns Congressmen against hasty action in the shape of civil disobedience, political strikes and similar activities.

Bengal Premier's Stand The Premier of Bengal has issued a statement dissociating himself and his Cabinet from the criticism of Lord Linlithgow's which, he says, contains nothing justifying the resignation of Congress Governments, states the Calcutta correspondent of the Times. Mr. Gandhi, in a statement issued in Bombay, said Lord Linlithgow's declaration had not had an irrevocable effect. He adds that the moderation of the Congress Committee's resolution leaves the door open. A statement was issued by the Viceroy of India, the Marquess of Linlithgow, on October 17. The Viceroy stated that it was impossible to give a definition of the objectives and hopes in the present war, except that. "we aro fighting to resist aggression, Avhetlier directed against ourselves or others." The Viceroy reiterated the statement by Lord Irwin that the natural issue of India's progress was the attainment of Dominion status. The Viceroy explained that the 1935 Act was based on the greatest measure of common agreement obtainable at that existing tiihe. When, at the end of the present war, consideration of a plan for the future government of India was resumed, the British Government would willingly consult various interests with a view to securing their, co-operation in framing such modifications as seemed desirable. The future course oE .India's association with the war could best bo secured by the establishment of a consultative group drawn by tlu: Governor-General from panels prepared bv the major political parties and representatives of the Princes.