INDIA CONFERENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 425, 17 November 1930, Page 7

INDIA CONFERENCE

THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS. IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS. LONDON, Nov. 14. The detailed views of the Government of India on the Indian Round-Table Conference have been issued in the form of a dispatch as a preliminary to the Conference. The main theme of the despatch is “further progress which might now be made towards the development of responsible government in India as an integral part of the Briflsh Empire. ”

The despatch refers to the strength of the national movement, which takes the form of a demand for self-government ami Dominion status. The demand for self-government, stated in practical terms, is that India should be allowed to manage her own affairs, both in the provinces and subject to temporary safeguards that may be required at the centre.

The ultimate ideal of an AJI-India Federation is accepted, although the despatch points out that its realisation must depend on the attitude of the States and provinces. British India should receive maximum autonomy consistent with rhe interest of India as a whole.

The proposal <»f the Statutory Commission for the abolition of the dyarchy ind the consequent establishment of responsible governments in the provinces dealing with the whole provincial field, including law and order, is accepted with recognition of the risks involved.

The despatch supports in principle the proposed separation of Burma flom India, but thinks that Indian opinion should be given a chance to declare itself and that no decision should be reached before the question has been discussed at the Round-Table Conference.

The purposes, which it is suggested the British Government should safeguard, include defence, foreign relations, international security, financial obligations, financial stability, the protection of minorities, and the prevention of unfair economic and commercial .discriminatioa.