An announcement on a policy for India which is aimed at leading to an early realisation of full self-government was broadcast by the Prime Minister and the Viceroy yesterday.
A Constitution-making body is to be convened after elections have been held early next year, and, although the Cripps offer still stands, there will be discussions to see whether an alternative or modified plan is preferable.
The terms of the treaty which will be necessary between Britain and India are now being considered, and Mr. Attlee gave an assurance that there would be nothing in it incompatible with Indian interests.
PREMIER╒S APPEAL TO INDIANS
In his broadcast last night Mr. Attlee said:
╥The King╒s Speech at the opening of the new Parliament contained this passage:
In accordance with the promises already made to my Indian peoples, my Government will do their utmost to promote, in conjunction with the leaders of Indian opinion, the early realisation of full self-government in India.
╥Immediately after assuming office the Government turned its attention to Indian affairs and invited the viceroy to come home in order to review with him the whole situation, economic and political. These discussions have now concluded and the viceroy has returned to India and has made an announcement of policy.
╥You will remember that in 1942 the Coalition Government made a draft declaration for discussion with Indian leaders commonly known as the ╘Cripps offer.╒ It was proposed that immediately upon the cessation of hostilities steps should be taken to set up in India an elected body charged with the task of framing a new Constitution for India. Sir Stafford Cripps took that offer to India, but it was unfortunately not accepted by the leaders of the Indian political parties; the Government is, however, acting in accordance with its spirit and intention. The first step necessary is to get, as soon as may be, as democratic a repre-
sentation of the Indian peoples as possible.╙
Everything possible, the Premier said, would be done to ensure a free and fair election. After describing the discussions which would follow the elections, as announced by Lord Wavell, Mr. Attlee continued:
╥The broad definition of British policy towards India contained in the Declaration of 1942 which had the support of all parties in this country, stands in all its fullness and purpose. This Declaration envisaged the negotiation of a treaty between the British Government and the constitution-making body. The Government is giving immediate consideration to the contents of such a treaty. It can be said here that in that treaty we shall not seek to provide for anything incompatible with the interests of India.
╥No one who has any acquaintance with Indian affairs will underestimate the difficulties which will have to be surmounted in the setting up and smooth operation of a constitution-making body. Still greater is the difficulty which will face the elected representatives of the Indian people in seeking to frame a Constitution for a great continent containing more than 400,000,000 human beings.
╥During the war Indian fighting men have, in Europe, Africa, and Asia, played a splendid part in defeating the forces of tyranny and aggression. India has shared to the full with the rest of the United Nations the task of saving freedom and democracy. Victory came through unity and through the readiness of all to sink their differences in order to attain the supreme object, victory.
╥I would ask all Indians to follow this great example and to join together in a united effort to work out a Constitution which majority and minority communities will accept as just and fair, a Constitution in which both States and Provinces can find their place. The British Government will do their utmost to give every assistance in their power, and India can be assured of the sympathy of the British people.╙
