The vicissitudes in the Conference are so rapid—there are such
alternations of confidence and doubt—that it is impossible for those who are normally optimistic, as we are not ashamed to be, to say more than that the main achievements of the Conference are indestructible. A solid foundation has been laid. The worst that can happen is that the architecture upon it may have to be redesigned. One architectural proposal, so to speak, is that a strong Committee consisting of both British and Indian members of the Conference should go to India as soon as possible and consult, not only with the Government of India, but with prominent Indians who were not at the Conference. This Committee would complete its work by the autumn and ifs information would be available before the drafting of the India Bill. Of course, there would be, according to the existing arrangement, yet another opportunity for Indian opinion to be expressed when the Bill is before the Joint Committee of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
