THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, October 21, 1939. INDIA AND THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23945, 21 October 1939, Page 10

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, October 21, 1939. INDIA AND THE WAR

In the resolute response of the nations of the British Commonwealth to the challenge which they are now meeting India has impressively participated. At the outset the Indian Government was almost embarrassed with offers of service. The crisis could not but serve to demonstrate the importance of national interests as compared with factional objectives. It detracts nothing from the value of India’s contribution to the Empire’s war effort that it is indicated in a statement issued by the Viceroy that discussions have been taking place with leaders of Indian political life, representing all parties and opinions, in which a desire has been expressed for clarification in respect of certain essential matters. By way of reply to a question raised as to the objectives and hopes in the present war, and the extent to which they are such that India can associate herself with them, Lord Linlithgow has pointed, out that a detailed definition of the war objective is impossible at the present time, and that it is difficult to go beyond the affirmation that the Empire is fighting to resist aggression whether directed against itself or others. In his speech of last week Mr Chamberlain said: “We are not aiming only at victory, but rather looking beyond it to the laying of the foundation of a better international system which will mean that war is not to be the inevitable lot of each succeeding generation.” The broad objective of the Allies who are engaged in this task is not lacking in clarity, but could not well be made the subject of a more explicit separate pronouncement on the part of any one of them. Another question raised in the Indian discussions has concerned the hopes and intentions as to the future of India contemplated in the constitutional sphere. ;The Viceroy’s reply has afforded a reminder that the Government of India Act, 1935, contemplates as a second stage—necessarily suspended —which is to take the form of a reconstitution of the central government on such a basis as to achieve the essential goal of Indian unity. The process in India that is at present in operation is related to the task of securing the inauguration of federation. The appeal of the Viceroy has been for national unity, and it is reasonable to consider that

It will be the more powerfully exerted in present circumstances. The framers of the federal scheme, he said in a political pronouncement made some months ago, had given dominant weight to the question of Indian unity, and this had become particularly important in view of the altered European background and the new ideologies threatening the ideals that had been, and remained, the basis of British policy in India. The background, he pointed out, was more sombre than it was in 1935, when the reforms were introduced, “but the darkening of the background and the rise of totalitarian thought in Europe had not altered the attitude of his Majesty’s Government towards Indian constitutional advance.” The quarrel of the Congress Party in India has been with the idea of " gradualness ” in that advance. Now that war is involving the Empire the Viceroy’s prewar argument should possess increased weight. In his statement this week he has reiterated a pronouncement made by a predecessor —Lord Irwin, now Lord Halifax — that the natural issue of India’s progress is the attainment of Dominion status. The war must necessarily hold much in suspension, but upon its termination the British Government, the Viceroy has given assurance, will be very willing to enter into consultation with representatives of the several communities, parties and interests In India, and with the Indian princes, with a view to securing their aid and co-opera-tion in framing such modifications of the scheme of government as may seem desirable. While the Congress Party has talked much of independence for India, it has given no clear indication whether its aim is complete independence of the British connection or the independence conferred by the Statute of Westminster. The loyalty of the people of India at this time, together with the manner in which the present constitution is being worked, will no doubt pave the way helpfully for a liberalisation of the constitution when peace is restored to the world.