INDIAN POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 58, 10 March 1942, Page 5

INDIAN POLICY

BRITISH CONCESSIONS DIVIDED OPINION (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) London, March 8. It is understood that the British Government, in its Indian policy, is prepared to make far wider concessions to Indian nai tionalist opinion than was contemplated before the Japanese invasion, but it is believed that an influential section is opposed to any substantial transfer of power to the Indians. On the other hand, the Congress Party has made it clear that it is not willing to accept a mere promise of ultimate Dominion status unless i specific powers are immediately ■ transferred to a national council to i be responsible to an elected Indian 5 Legislature. The political correspondent of the Sunday Times says it is understood i that the War Cabinet has decided 1 that the Government’s policy shall I embody a large extension of Indian self-government. The pledge of Do- ■ minion status, he says, will be re- • newed as a goal, but the framing of ’ a new Constitution cannot be under- - taken during the stress of war and 5 with external danger to India so close ■ and menacing. CIVIL DEFENCE i ] NEW FORCE CREATED I New Delhi, March 8. i A Government decree creates a new civil defence pioneer force officered by Indians and to be recruited from the eleven provinces of British India. The duties will include the maintenance of essential supplies and services. r MEW GOVERNOR OF ASSAM Rugby, March 8. Sir Andrew Clow, communications member of the Government of India, has been appointed to succeed Sir Robert Reid as Governor of Assam . on the expiry of the latter’s term oi office in May.—B.O.W. x FRIENDLY SETTLEMENT WOULD MAKE VAST DIFFERENCE Bombay, March 6. “Nothing but Indian freedom can i make a vital difference or move our s millions to effective action,” said the - Congress leader, Pandit Jawaharlal s Nehru, at Bombay. “Talk of reforms I and minor changes and what will s happen after the war would be mere 1 quibbling.” National minorities would be able i to make proposals when the represen- - tative Assembly meets to frame , Indi ’s Constitution. 4 Either there will be agreement o: ? the question will be referred to an international tribunal. Otherwise s the problem will be solved by conflict, i This risk must be taken. There is i no other course. A Government must r be formed responsible to the Indian . people, not to the Viceroy and the 1 British Government. 1 Dealing with the Moslem League's ) assertion that an independent India s would be a Hindu India, Mr. Nehru r said that the question of minorities does not at present arise. In any - event, reasonable protection would ? be given to them. 1 The Princes may at present be left out of consideration, but Indian freet dom will ultimately vitally affect f their position. i A friendly settlement of the entire problem would make a vast difference J and release tremendous forces on the t side of freedom and democracy.