INDIA CONFERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 21262, 8 December 1930, Page 5

INDIA CONFERENCE

PROGRESS BY COMMITTEES. FEDERATION QUESTION. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 5. Further progress was made with, the committee work of the India Conference. The Federal Structure Sub-committec completed the work of the provisional classification of subjects which might be regarded as federal, and then began consideration of the component elements of federation. Discussion on this was proceeding when the meeting adjourned. A general discussion with particular reference to the abolition of dyarchy having left no doubt that such a course was favoured, the Provisional Constitution Subcommittee proceeded with consideration of questions that arose if the practicability of abolishing the distinction between the reserved and transferred subjects was accepted. The sub-committee particularly addressed itself to the following questions: What will form the constitution and composition of the executive? What are. to be the powers of the Governor and his executive and the Legislature, and what, if any, provisions are necessary (o safeguard the administration of law and order and the rights of minorities? A useful note was struck during the discussion as to the distinction to be made between the statutory provisions regarding essentials and the growth of conventions regarding matters of secondary importance.

When the Burma sub-committee held its first meeting the chairman, Lord Russell, explained that the terms of reference precluded the principle of separation. He emphasized the desirability of encouraging in every way the prospect of continual cordial relations between India and a separated Burma.

After a general discussion on procedure it was agreed that a statement of the heads of subjects for discussion should be circulated for the next meeting.