Indian Conversations
Various negotiations are going on in India, but it is not very clear where any of them will lead. The Council of the Moslem League, at its meeting on Tuesday, pressed the Pakistan issue more to the fore than ever, and made no move suggesting any kind of rapprochement with Congress. But after the meeting Mr. Jinnah and Mr. Rajagopalachari had a prolonged conversation. It is stated that the Government would not refuse the Madras leader's request for a passport and a passage to England if he pressed for it, but it is not very clear what good purpose the journey would serve unless Mr. Rajagopalachari is in a position to bring with him assurances, such as there is no reason to believe be yet possesses, from representative Indian leaders. He could not, indeed, obtain these without a discussion with Mr. Gandhi. The Government of India has not permitted any visits to Mr. Gandhi so far, but it would be unfortunate if facilities were refused to Mr. Rajagopal- achari. It is true that India is at present quiet. It is true that the almost (but not quite) completely Indianised Viceroy's Council is giving evidence of both harmony and efficiency. It is doubtful whether India's military or industrial effort is being seriously weakened by political discontent. But no one could regard the situation in India as satisfactory, and if Mr. Rajagopalachari claims that a reasonably representative National Government in India could be formed, even without the participation of Congress, he is entitled at least to a respectful hearing. But many considerations would have to be weighed before a decision to ignore Congress was taken. It is as difficult to go on without it as with it.
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