COMMENT BY BRITISH PRESS ON NEW SET-UP FOR INDIA

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 April 1949, Page 5

COMMENT BY BRITISH PRESS ON NEW SET-UP FOR INDIA

Implications Will Extend Far Beyond The Commonwealth

LONDON, April 28 (Rec. 6 pm).—lndia’s decision 1o remain a full member of the Commonwealth while adopting a republican constitution has implications for the shaping of a post-war world which will extend far beyond the Commonwealth itself, says

Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent Had India decided ,to sever her Commonwealth ties she would have found herself, because of her geographic position, in a vacuum between the Communist forces of China and Asiatic Russia and non-Communist Western Powers aud the rest of the Commonwealth.

By reaffirming that Commonwealth powers will continue with India to cooperate freely in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress, tne communique gives diplomatic observers the impression that India has succeeded in strengthening her capacity to contribute to a solution of unsettled problems in South-east Asia. This is seen as doubly important at the moment when the Communist offensive across tiie River Yangtse opens the prospect of an_all-Communist Government being established in the near future with all its obvious repercussions on China's neighbours. While the documents issued yesterday used a new phrase, “head of the Commonwealth.” for the position of the King, this is understood to be considered only a phrase and not as constituting a new title. There is no question of changing the King’s title in the adjustment of the situation. Other important aspects of the declaration are: (1) India will continue to enjoy full Imperial preference in trade matters. (2) The word "Dominion." which has not been used officially for some time, will now be final'y abandoned. (3) Within the Commonwealth Indian citizens will continue to have all the rights they, now enjoy. (4) Legislation will not be needed in any of the Commonwealth countries to give the declaration full effect. The British Government will seek early Parliamenta r y approval of the agreement and similar procedure is likely to be adopted in Commonwealth Parliaments. (5) When India becomes a republic the office of Governor-General as representative of the King will disappear. (6) The future designation of In-

dia’s diplomatic representatives ir Commonwealth capitals—now callee High Commissioners—has yet to be decided. The “Daily Mail,” in an editorial, says: “The Prime Ministers of British, countries have managed to square the circle. That at least is their hope and belief. A Republican India is to continue as a member of the Empire. British entity is held together by the Crown. That link has now been weakened —by how much nobody can at present tell. India accepts its symbol, but not the allegiance. She is within the 'Commonwealth. What does ail this mean? We do not know, and we doubt if anyone else does —including those who prepared the statement. How can they? Hets is something new and uncharted in our constitutional system.’’

The “Daily Express” says Mr Nehru is half in and half out. The conference- at his request, has produced a paradox, not a solution. The Crown is the link of Empire and supplies the basis of common sovereignty. This is a fact on which, for example, Imperial preference was justified in international law. At this supreme conception the new formula strikes. Make no mistake, the Commonwealth is not as it was. The conception of common sovereignty is destroyed. The “Daily Herald” says the agreement is one of the peaks of democratic history. To appreciate the significance of this grand news it has to be remembered that only since the war has India ceased to be a subject country. It is only a few years since the relationship between India and Britain was so embittered that the prospect of friendship seemed incredibly remote. The agreement is one in which the whole British nation should take pride. e The Associated Press New Delhi correspondent says the cordial termi na- •

tion of the London conference evoked profound satisfaction in India. Congress party circles particularly welcome the agreement and comment it surrounds India’s past bitterness with Britain with a new and friendly feeling. Mr Nehru is praised and held in higher esteem than ever.