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THE CHINA MAIL, OCTOBER 19, 1939
DOMINION STATUS PROBLEMS IN INDIA
London, To-day.
LORD ZETLAND, Secretary for India, replying to the debate in the House of Lords yesterday rais- ed by Lord Sneil (leader of the Labour Party) on the Viceroy's statement, said the outbreak of war immediately evoked from one end of India to the other a violent protest against the outrage committed by the Nazi Government, and result- ed in spontaneous offers of support irrespective of class or community.
Prior to the war, however, the Congress Party had Protested against troop movements occasioned by necessary defence measures, although these precautionary moves were communicated to the leaders of all political parties in the Assembly.
Passing from this phase, Lord Zetland, dealing with the position on the outbreak of war, stated that with his approval the Viceroy had been for long in close touch with Mahatma Gandhi, and he expressed gratitude for Mr. Gandhi's readiness to help, not only in interpreting the Congress viewpoint and aspirations, but also by his endeavour to appreciate the difficulties and outlook of the British Government.
MR. GANDHI'S HELP
of minorities.
Out of this background of the In- dian picture two main features arose. First, the unanimous desire of all communities to see the overthrow of the menace overshadowing Europe and mankind.
Second, the desire of self-expression in forms of democratic' political self- government.
MINORITIES' DEMAND
But the minorities demand safe- guards against the majority, "and Mr. Gandhi had given much help herein is found the root cause of the in the attempt to surmount these dif- main difficulty." ficulties. An invitation to meet the For this reason the problem of In- Viceroy was immediately accepted, dian self-government was not as gim- and at the outcome of the conversa-ple as it appears to those confining tions Mr. Gandhi publically stated in their view to one part of the picture his personal capacity that his view only. was "that in the struggle upon which the country had entered, India should give unconditional support to British Government."
the
Members of the Viceroy's consulta- tive committee, which was maintain- ing close touch with all aspects of the war, .would be in a position
free give
and frank expres. sion on all matters laid before them, and being fully representative of members of all communities work-
association with ing in close
each gradually to lessen the other tend differences now existing between var- lous interests and emphasise the com- mon viewpoints of all taking part in the work.
Lord Zetland then mentioned
the to comprehensive statement of the Con- gress Working Committee, which had received careful consideration.
"Broadly speaking, its effect was, while condemning unequivocally the action of the German Government, to make clear that before Congress could decide to give support they wished to be informed of the British war aims, particularly on how the aims would apply to India.”
MUSLIM LEAGUE
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the All-India Muslim League, the next most powerful organisation in Indian politics, issued a statement also condemning the Nazis but expressing views on the internal political situa- tion showing substantial divergence from the views of Congress.
Speaking of the future, the Secre- tary for India said the object of the |British Government, as ever, was the attainment of Dominion status for In- dia.-British Wireless.
JAPANESE PROCEED UP YANGTSE
Shanghai, To-day.
A large number of Japanese troops and transports yesterday The Viceroy, had also received the boarded
the views of the Princes and the National were reported to have sailed up Liberal League, as well as the leaders Yangtse.-Our Own Correspondent.
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