1 MARCH 1924, Page 3

It was actually being urged by Indians to-day, Lord Olivier

continued, that the British had no right to be in India. The truth was that no home rule or national movement whatever would be possible in India, had it not been for the work of the British. The Government pinned their faith to a programme of constitutional democracy, but they knew from centuries of experience in Europe and America that the conditions of a successful democracy did not exist at present in India, and could not be established at a few months' notice. We con- gratulate Lord Olivier upon this clear and sensible statement. The Government evidently recognize quite clearly that the Indian proposals for Conferences or Commissions are only expedients for wrecking the whole Montagu-Chelmsford scheme.