14 FEBRUARY 1931, Page 2

India The intentions of the leaders of civil disobedience in

India are still doubtful. The Government of India has stretched every point it can to convince the law-breakers that Great Britain earnestly desires to set up ,a responsible Government, but in a debate in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, February 5th, Sir George Rainy made it quite clear that the Government could " never make terms with terrorism." The Government, he said, was not afraid to " risk something," and would not be guided by any sense of ceremony or punctilio, but as it took two to make a quarrel, so it took two to make a reconciliation. One sign which may be considered encouraging was that the Indian delegates to the Round Table Conference received a hearty welcome when they arrived at Bombay on Friday, February 6th. They circulated a manifesto which they had composed on board ship, and which emphasizes the remarkable change in Great Britain in favour of responsible government. At Allahabad Mr. Gandhi and the Congress leaders have been holding conversations with the Round Table delegates. It is said, perhaps optimistically, that Sir Tej Sapru and the other delegates have had a moderating influence on Congress policy. One hope expressed by the delegates that the Viceroy may invite Mr. Gandhi to an interview. On Tuesday the new Delhi was inaugurated as the future capital of India and as the symbol of a fresh epoch. The present conditions of India prevented a great celebration, but the unveiling of the Dominion columns was impressive, and the Viceroy's address was admirable.

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