The Endian Debate

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19450, 14 December 1934, Page 7

The Endian Debate

CLOSING STAGES.

SIR A. CHAMBERLAIN'S CONVERSION PERSUADED BY COMMONSENSE. (Omctal Wireless.) (Received Dec. 14, 12.45 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 13. After three days’ debate the House of Commons last night endorced by a decisive majority the Government’s intention to introduce a bill for the revision of the Indian Constitution on the general lines of the Joint Select Committee’s report.

Lengthy speeohes were made during last night’s debate from all quarters of the House. A vigorous attach on the report was made by Mr Winston Churchill, who declared that the Government’s policy was merely abdicating Britain’s duty to the Indian masses, and that there was no unity in India apart from this rule. He was followed by Sir Austen Chamberlain, who declared he had been persuaded by commonsense, into supporting the report, which lie was convinced no section of Indians would boycott.

Mr George L&nsbury, who, during his speech cont§nded that the Indians had done enough during the year to deserve dominion status, was followed by Mr Stanley Baldwin, who concluded the debate for the Government. Any alternative to the report he said was less likely to secure the. welfare of the Indian masses than was the report itself. The result of the voting was greeted with cheers not only by the Government's supporters but also by the Conservative Right Wing, who seemed pleased with the number of votes they received.