Lord Reading in his speech, which was a corollary to
Lord Birkenhead's speech, expressed emphatic regret at the indifferent reception which had been given in India to what Lord Birkenhead had said. Lord Birkenhead's purpose had been to send a message of sympathetic encouragement to all those who desired responsible Government within the Empire. If progress was to be made it was essential to get rid of bitterness and suspicion. The moment had not arrived for an inquiry, under the Government of India, into the reforms. The fact was that the events of the last few years had damped the hopes of many in England who wished India well. It would, nevertheless, be possible to rekindle those hopes if only India offered friendliness instead of menace. No special sanctity belonged to the year 1929. Inquiry into the Constitution might take place at any time not later than 1929 if the British Government were satisfied that there was already a genuine attempt at co-operation. The Swarajists appeared to be disappointed with the speech, though it was delivered with marked earnestness.
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