India's Threat To Cut Adrift From British Commonwealth Is Viewed Gravely By Dominions

Wanganui Chronicle, 15 October 1948, Page 5

India's Threat To Cut Adrift From British Commonwealth Is Viewed Gravely By Dominions

Nehru, While Bound To Seek Complete Independence, May Compromise

LONDON'. Oet. 14 (Rec. 11 pm).—lndia’s threat to walk out of the British Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference has caused strong efforts to be made to preserve a united front against Communism, and keep India within the fold. The threat is viewed gravely.

The Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru, is reported to have told delegates to the conference that while he was bound by an electoral promise to work for India’s complete independence, he would welcome a compromise and would consult with the United States Secretary of State (Mr. Marshall) in Paris on Friday. in private talks, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Peter Fraser, told delegates “that the greatest, perhaps the onlv hope of peace" was to end the Indian revolt against the Commonwealth. Mr. Fraser said bluntly that the most important problem facing the conference was to maintain the anti-Communist chain of nations by keeping India in connection with the other nations of the Commonwealth. Mr. Fraser and Dr. Evatt (Australia) tried for several hours to convince the Indian Prime Minister, Jawarharlal Nehru, to advise his Government to stay in the Commonwealth, but Mr. Nehru explained that he was bound by electoral promises

to work for India’s complete independence The Canadian attitude on India’s threatened defection was not made public, but it is believed certain Canada will support the Australian and New Zealand representations The United Press correspondent adds that one delegate expressed this view: “In the present state of affairs there must be recognition of the fundamental truth that any defection from the Western Powers means danger to world balance of power. If India were to cast herself adrift it would mean a breach in our defence potentialities and encouragement to Communism.” Mr. Nehru breakfasted yesterday with the chief Australian delegate (Dr. Evatt) and later had lur.ch with the Canadian Premier, Mr Mackenzie King, in his bedroom Air. Mackenzie King, although still confined to his bed. is keeping closely in touch with developments. One suggestion now being discussed. it is understood, is that the word “British” should be dropped from the title of Commonwealth and that the title of Governor-General should be changed to something which does not imply any suggestion of government by an outside country.