FREE ASSOCIATION WITH COMMONWEALTH NATIONS URGED BY PANDIT NEHRU

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26958, 18 December 1948, Page 7

FREE ASSOCIATION WITH COMMONWEALTH NATIONS URGED BY PANDIT NEHRU

NZP A—Reuter—Copyright NEW DELHI, Rcc. 10.15 p.m. „ , . Dec. 17 ' The Congress Party Subjects Committee voted to pass on to the full Congress for discussion a resolution which welcomed India's free association with independent Commonwealth nations “ for their common welfare and for the promotion of world peace.” The Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, supported the resolution, and nine speakers opposed association with the Commonwealth mainly on sentimental grounds and because there is racial inequality in countries like South Africa. Mr Nehru said that no country t - day could live in isolation. “ For India to say that she will not be part of the Commonwealth is to close our portals against wider associations. The proposed relationship will not tie us down in any way.” Mr Nehru declared that the resolution was not inconsistent with India's desire to establish an independent Republic. “ Do you think we will be less independent as an Indian Republic joined in the common welfare in the Commonwealth than we are to-day as a dominion. I support the resolution

because I feel that by keeping good relations with the Commonwealth countries I can serve the cause of peace and promote the welfare of all."