Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] WEDNESDAY, 19th SEPT., 1934. THE OUTLOOK IN INDIA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 September 1934, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] WEDNESDAY, 19th SEPT., 1934. THE OUTLOOK IN INDIA.

Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India, has at no time abandoned his optimistic view of Indian affairs. He has, indeed, persisted therein in the face of somewhat depressing facts. When, therefore, the facts appear to wear a brighter aspect, he is justified in displaying a still greater confidence. In a comprehensive survey of the economic and political situation, he claims that the suspension of civil disobedience, belated as it is, stands equally to the credit of the Government and the governed, and believes that the

greater menace of terrorism lias been largely checked by recent developments. Following on an attempt (not the first) made in May last against the life of the Governor of Bengal, Sir John Anderson, an extensive campaign of propaganda was begun in that province, notorious as a centre of criminal unrest. That campaign, inaugurated by the Government, was fortunate in securing the active support of large numbers of Indians, and even of a considerable section of the 'Nationalist Press. Committees were formed to counteract the effect of revolutionary teaching on impressionable youths, the schools were used as focal centres of warning, and a distribution of pamphlets from door to door was undertaken even in such places as Dacca and Chittagong, recognised zones of danger. After two months’ work, the Government of Bengal was able to report a remarkable improvement in this vital matter, and now comes Lord Willingdon’s claim of hope in large measure fulfilled. If Indian leaders have been able to co-operate with the Government in so successful a way and in so short a time, one can only marvel that they did not earlier take steps to eradicate this serious evil. Even optimists, however, must not rejoice prematurely. It is still somewhat early to conclude that all is well.