Letters to the Editor
GREAT BRITAIN AND INDIA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—In the number of the Spectator for the week ending Saturday, August 9th, you expressed surprise that " Mr. Lloyd George with his Celtic imagination and quickness of perception should oppose the Indian policy of the Labour Government." You may also recall Mr. Benn quoting during the November debate on India from the Indian correspondent of the Observer the following words : " The reported indig- nation (at the Viceroy's declaration) of the British Liberals is simply not understood by Europeans and Indians alike." In the following lines I propose to offer a solution of this mystery.
It is general knowledge that Lord Reading was rewarded with the Indian viceroyalty for his distinguished services as special ambassador in America, and ever since Mr. Lloyd George has looked upon him as an unfailing friend and adviser. In Indian affairs he is regarded also as an expert, being the latest returned Viceroy.
Lord Reading had hardly been Indian Viceroy for two years when a new interpretation was put on the declaration of 1917 by Sir Malcolm Hailey as Government spokesman, in which it was openly said that responsible government in the case of India did not mean Dominion status. Lord Reading himself in an official speech ridiculed the political aspirations of Indians as a cry for a political panacea for all evils.
It is hardly any exaggeration to say that Lord Reading's viceroyalty did more to shake the confidence of educated Indians in the good faith of England than any other single viceroyalty since 1858. The present opposition of the British Liberal Party to a progressive policy in India is easily under- stood when we remember that Lord Reading is a leader of the Liberal Party and enjoys the full confidence of Mr. Lloyd George on questions affecting India.
The success of the coming Indian Conference will depend on the British delegates bringing fresh minds to bear upon the Indian point of view. Knowing as we do the attitude of some of the prominent Opposition leaders, we find no reason to be very optimistic.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
