NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE constructive statement of policy made in Parliament last week and broadcast by Lord Wavell in India has met with a promising reception, even in circles whose first reaction to any pro- posal from this country is always one of distrust. It had been stated again and again that the Cripps' proposals still stood, promising, after the war, as soon as Indians had agreed among them- selves, Commonwealth status for India or even independence ; but nu progress was made, and it was becoming more and more evident that the British Government must give a fresh lead. This at length it has done in no unmistakable manner, thanks to the patient spadework and hard thought of Lord Wavell in India and Mr. Amery in Britain. All that has been promised for the future remains un- altered—nothing greater remained to be offered. The new plan refers to the interim period. The Viceroy invites leaders of the principal parties to meet him at Simla, and to submit to him a list of names of persons from whom he will select future members of his Executive Council. The Administration for British India thus formed would consist exclusively of Indians, with the exception of the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief. Even the Minister of External Affairs would be an Indian, and he would send accredited Indian representatives abroad. It is distinctly explained that these proposals are made without prejudice to future agreement about the constitution and status of India, but on the contrary that the practice of co-operation in the actual government of India should help the leaders to find a way out of their present differences, and pave the way for a lasting settlement. The offer is a bold expression of trust, and as such it has already made a deep impression in India, though Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Jinnah are acting with characteristic caution and reserve. India now has two clear offers before it, one for the present and one for the future. The importance of keeping the latter to the fore from tha very start of the new experiment is stressed in an article on a later page. The leaders should be left with no excuse for not realising that if they are really intent on full self- government, it is theirs for the taking.
