INDIAN CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 9 January 1931, Page 5

INDIAN CONFERENCE

THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE LORD READING’S SPEECH (British Official Wireless) (Received 9th January, 11.49 a.m.) RUGBY, ’ Bth January. The general survey of the problems referred by the Indian Round Table Conference to the Federal Structure sub-com-mittee was completed to-day. Lord Sankey, the chairman, anticipates that by Monday morning his reDort representing the maximum measure of agreement reached by the discussions will be in the hands of members of the sub-com-mittee, which will meet for a preliminary review of the report on Monday afternoon. The examination will be continued on Tuesday and it is hoped that the pub-committee will on Thursday make its full report to the Conference in committee on its plenary session. Reports of the various other sub-commit-tees will ny then be available, and the Prime Minister, after considering them, will make a declaration of the Government’s policy and intentions. If subsequent events follow the course anticipated tlie Conference should complete its labours by the 19th or 20th January. In announcing the above to the sub committee Lord Sankey said that although they still welcomed criticism they felt that the time for construction had arrived.

Sir Akbar Hydari, of Hyderabad, said he entirely agreed with Lord Reading's safeguards which were in the interests of India herself. He was prepared to recommend to Irzam to go to the extreme limit of concession provided due provision was made for external and internal peace as well as for the security of the dynasty lie represented. In return he asked British and India representatives not lightly vo sen aside the exceptions lie had taken to certain aspects of construction which had been recommended.

The Maharaja of Bekiner said that Lord Reading’s speech gave great satisfaction throughout • India. At least 75 per cent, of the Indian States, if not more, would soon be followed by others. The Princes wanted to work as willing and co-equal partners with their brothers of British India. Lord Peel said that before the Conservatives consented to the proposal they must know in detail what it actually was, and there would be an end of all ambiguity which might lead to the good faith of Britain being questioned. Dealing more closely with tlie duties and responsibilities of the Viceroy, he said that some power of certification must be reserved in order to carry out with the consent of Cabinet the ordinary work of legislation. If the Viceroy was to be responsible for the Army he must have undivided control and define the situation in which it was to be used and control its mobility and communications. It must be required to support the police and the Viceroy must therefore be kept in close touch with the conditions in the provinces. The Viceroy should also have control over the Budget and keep tlie closest touch with the movements of national finance.