INDIA CONFERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 21265, 11 December 1930, Page 5

INDIA CONFERENCE

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS REVIEW OF IMPORTANT POINTS l POSITION OF BURMA (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, December 9. Again Very satisfactory progress was made by tjie sub-committees of the India Round-Table Conference. The Burma subcommittee has now authorized the chairman, Earl Russell, to embody its conclusions in a report for presentation to the Main Committee next week. In a general sense the sub-committee to-day expressed approval of a resolution asking that the British Governhient should make a public announcement regarding the acceptance of the principle of separation and stating that the prospects for the constitutional advance of Burma as part of British India towards responsible government will not be prejudiced by the separation of the two countries.

It should be explained in this connection that the Government, preserves an open mind regarding the nature of Burma’s future constitution, and the matter will be considered by the Round-Table Conference which, it has been suggested, should meet in London for the purpose at a later date and at which it is contemplated representatives of all the classes and interests in Burma will have a chance to express freely their opinions on the constitutional issue. The committee confirmed the conclusions provisionally adopted at an earlier meeting on the protection of minority interests, financial settlement between India and Burma, Burmese defence, administration by Burma of subjects not classed as central, the continued use by Burma of certain scientific services of the Government of India and the desirability of a trade convention between the two countries. In the Federal Structure Sub-Committee the greater part of the time was occupied by an important discussion on the federal legislature. The Princes further explained their views, emphasizing that they, like their fellow Indians, had only one ideal, namely, a united India with the government of India by Indians. Hitherto the States had shown preference for a general federal legislature. They have now pronounced that if one house was unacceptable to British India they would be prepared to accept the principle of two houses, and British India could take a choice. On the assumption that there would be two houses the States would come into both, but as equal co-partners desiring an equal voice. In the event of a dispute and a consequent joint session between the two houses, the States asked that the matter be settled by a majority of not less than 5 per cent. Regarding administration the States took the view that the Federal Government be confined to exercise general supervision, and the hope was expressed that there would be no residual subjects in the sense of their being central British Indian subjects as distinct from federal subjects. The sub-committee is now virtually ready to begin a discussion of the difficult question of the constitution, character, powers and responsibilities of the executive and will probably take up this subject early next week.

It is generally agreed that the progress made is highly satisfactory and beyond the expectations of delegates. The Provincial Constitutional Sub-Committee during today’s meeting discussed whether a second chamber be set up by statute or left to the individual choice of provinces, and the general opinion was in favour of the latter course. The committee adjourned till Friday when a draft report will be considered preparatory to presentation to a general meeting of the conference next week. EVENTS IN INDIA INTEREST IN CONFERENCE. (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, December 9. The Government of India's weekly review of the situation in India says that hope alternates with anxiety as to the outcome of the Round Table Conference, but the feeling is growing that it represents a very important constructive effort meriting the goodwill of all those with the interests of India at heart. Regarding events in India the review says: In the United Provinces agitation is more or less normal and meetings and processions have lost much of their previous attraction. In the country the people are friendly, but anxious, as in most other provinces, about the difficulties in selling produce. In Bihar and Orissa the civil disobedience movement seems to be less popular. Assam reported an improvement in the political situation. Clashes occurred in Bombay and Karachi. It is believed that the wrecking of a mail train in Burma some weeks ago was the work of a Bengal revolutionary party. Several arrests were made.