INDIAN AFFAIRS

Otago Witness, Issue 3595, 6 February 1923, Page 22

INDIAN AFFAIRS

ATTACK ON THE GOVERNMENT. DELHI, January 28. In the Legislative Assembly both tlie Democratic and Nationalist Parties attacked the Government strongly over the appointment of a commission to inquire into the public services in India. After a heated discussion the Assembly adopted a vote of censure on Lord Peel (Secretary of State for India) for appointing the commission. The official speakers explained that the commission was necessary in order to obtain the right stamp of Englishmen and to reassure recruits regarding their position in yearn to come, as at present there was no guarantee that their services would be retained after the revision of reforms and policy in 1929. The chief contentions against the commission were that it was not wanted; that it was unnecessary ; that any inquiry should be conducted by the Government of India.; and that the appointment of a commission over the heads of the Government and Legislatures of India was opposed to Lord Peel's despatch to the Viceroy regarding the working of reforms. The opposition of the Indian people was obviously due to their inveterate'prejudice against anything likely to benefit the services. FRONTIER OPERATIONS. DELHI, January 29. The Air Force operations on the frontier are proving most effective against the Abdullai Mahsud tribesmen. Their stronghold was destroyed by bombs, and other groups of villages over a considerable area were also successfully dealt with. A considerable number of tribesmen were killed or wounded. As a result of the operations, native raiding has much decreased. The advance of a punitive column to Waziristan continues. Our forces occupied Razmak, the recalcitrant tribesmen being taught a severe lesson.

February 2. The Mahsuds are in a chastened mood owing to the continued bombing and occupation of the disturbed area by our forces. POLITICAL PRISONERS RELEASED. DELHI, January 31. Seventy political prisoners, including Gandhi’s son, have been released from Lucknow. VISCOUNT PEEL'S DESPATCH. DELHI. February 2. Undoubtedly Viscount Peel’s despatch to the Viceroy on the subject of the revision of the reform scheme is causing a vehement protest among Indians. Everywhere in the Legislatures minutes, motions, and memoranda are circulated profusely, condemning the despatch in no uncertain terms. One signed by prominent members of tbe Legislatures says tbe despatch is likelv to sdoil all attempts to quieten the political situation and to alienate the Moderates. The memorandum ends: “We desire to tell the Right Honourable Secretary of State with all respect that if lie imagines that India is going to wait till 1929 for a re examination and revision of the constitution, then his Lordship is sadly mistaken.