INDIAN NEGOTIATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 9

INDIAN NEGOTIATIONS

A STATEMENT DENIED. NO MISSION FROM BRITAIN. (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, February 17. The Prime Minister (Mr Ramsay MacDonald) in the House of Commons stated that the Government had been considering, in consultation with the Viceroy, how best to carry on the Indian negotiations begun in London. When the arrangements were completed they would be announced in the House. Mr MacDonald coupled this statement, with a denial of the rumour that Captain Wedgewood Benn and Mr Thomas were shortly proceeding on a mission to India. CONFERENCE DELEGATES. THREATENED BY BURMESE. DELHI, February 17. The sensational revelation is made in Rangoon that the Burmese Revolutionary Party has written letters to the wives of the Round Table Conference delegates informing them that their husbands will soon be killed for advocating separation from India. PANIC IN BENARES. MOHAMMEDANS FLEEING. DELHI, February 17. Far from improving the communal situation, Holy Benares has become worse during the past two days. It is now revealed that 15 people are dead and nearly 200 injured. An entire family was stabbed to death, while in another part of the city 20 houses were burned and property looted. The panic continues in the city. Many rich Mohammedans are fleeing for safety. Unless the situation improves soon the troops will take charge. VICEROY AND MR GANDHI. LENGTHY AND FRANK TALK. DELHI, February 18. (Received Feb. 18, at 11 p.m.) For nearly four hours yesterday the Viceroy (Lord Irwin) and Mr Gandhi had a* frank talk on India’s constitutional progress. The talk will be resumed to-day. There are indications that Mr Gandhi is eager for a compromise involving cooperation in the resumed work of the Round Table Conference in India.