11 JULY 1925, Page 11

On Tuesday the Secretary of State for India made his

speech which we have all awaited since Lord Reading came home. Many will be greatly relieved by its tone. :Lord Birkenhead spoke generously of Mr. Montagu !but half-heartedly of his reforms, though he would not say that they had failed. He gave a most hopeful account of India's finances and credit. He then made an offer to Indian leaders which particularly interests us. Our ;readers may remember that in March, 1924, we asked for :a conference in which India should produce a plan for self-rule. Lord Birkenhead now says that if an agreed proposal for a Constitution is put forward by the critics ,of British rule, it shall have full and fair consideration.

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