WAT ACT OF PROGRESS’

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1930, Page 11

WAT ACT OF PROGRESS’

INDIA COMMISSION REPORT IMPORTANCE OF UNANIMITY CALL TO THE BEST IN INDIA British Wireless. Rugby, June 10. Sir John Simon, chairman of Indian Statutory Commission, interviewed to-day, emphasised the. importance of the fact that the seven members of the commission were unanimous in drafting the first part of the report of the commission. Sir John expressed satisfaction at the prominence given in the Press to this part; of the report. He considered that the plan of producing the report in two parts, with an interval between, had thereby been justified. ’’lt wag evident, he said, that the conditions of the Indian problem would be fully studied in Britain,- and the British public would thus be able to form conclusions regarding the recommendations which are to be put forward a fortnight hence in the second part of the report. Another personage in close touch with the commission said that the full significance of the unanimity of the first section of the report had yet to be realised. The fact that the commission, which was drawn from all parties, had reached a common conclusion was likely to exercise a tremendous effect on the future treatment of the Indian situation. The newspapers understand that the second section of the report will also be unanimous. Commenting on Part 1 of the report the Star (Liberal) says: "It is one of the greatest achievements in the art of governing that the world has seen. This remarkable document will stand. for all time as a tribute to the mind and soul of the nation that has interpreted Imperialism in the new light. What use we shall make of it, or what use Indian opinion will allow us to make of it, remains to be seen, but the four-square basis is there for a great act of progress and understanding.” The Star adds that while the facts enumerated define the difficulties ahead in carrying out the British pledge of the gradual development of self-governing institutions in India they do not weaken the pledge. They only suggest that a call is made on every good quality India possesses to rise to a crisis of vital import to the world. INDIAN OPINION ON REPORT. VIEWS OF FACTIONS DIFFER. Rec. 12.30 a.m. Delhi, June 11. The general attitude of the Congress Party towards the Simon report was summed up by a local extremist, Dr. Bidhan Chandrardy, who contemptuously says he has not read the report and is not going to do so. The Calcutta Nationalist journal Basumti says: “The first part of the report of God’s seven chosen Englishmen is out. It has cost the Indian taxpayer a sum of money which might annually have saved a hundred poor peasants from dying from preventible diseases.” The Moslems, on the other hand, warmly welcome what they call a masterly survey of the Indian situation, characterised by the most commendable spirit of sympathy and fairness.