BLAZING INDIGNATION

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1934, Page 7

BLAZING INDIGNATION

NATIONALISTS AT BOMBAY SAFEGUARDS CRITICISED BRITISH TRADE INTERESTS DELHI MORE REASONABLE By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Bombay, Nov. 22. Nationalist newspapers are blazing with indignation against the report on Indian constitutional reform. The chairman of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber declares that the commercial safeguards are provided entirely in the interests of British trade and industry. Bengalis are especially bitter over the communal award, says a Calcutta message. A newspaper printed in the vernacular alleges that it aims to promote discord and provincial jealousies. The Congress Party, business men and prominent people, are reserving their opinion until the report has been perused and discussed. Delhi opinion is that the report Is unlikely to prove as unacceptable as extremists would like to suggest. PREPARATION OF REPORT MAY BE A “BEST SELLER” London, Nov. 22. The publication of the report marks the completion of what is considered the most exhaustive examination of proposed constitutional changes ever undertaken in the history of the British Empire, and probably of the whole world. The document is being issued at the “uneconomic” price of Is in Britain, and eight annas, the equivalent of Is, in India, in order to ensure the widest circulation, and there is little doubt that it will prove a “best seller.” The constitution changes with which the report deals have their roots deep in the history of Anglo-Indian relations. As far back as 1919 the Government of India Act, which authorised the Montague and Chelmsford Reforms, provided that at the expiration of 10 years there should be an inquiry into the working of the changed system, with a view to determining whether Parliament should extend or modify the degree of responsible government that the Act laid down. That inquiry was undertaken within eight years when the Simon Commission, consisting of the representatives of all parties, began its work. In the seven years since then Indian constitutional reform has been a very live subject indeed, and the report marks an important stage In these years of intensive consultation and study. FAVOURABLE RECEPTION. CITY OF LONDON OPINION. Rec. 10.30 p.m. London, Nov. 23. The Financial Times says financial circles are favourably impressed with the India report and regard it as taking the course of appealing to those with big interests at stake, who are also concerned with the lasting welfare of India. The Stock Exchange gave a favourable reception to the report, which had no marked effect on Indian securities. The report was well received by the leaders of the Lancasltira cotton industry.