Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-29

Sir John Simon, chairman Of the
British Statutory Commission on India,
has taken occasion during his presence
In washington this week 10 make some
enlightening observations concerning
conditions in the realm Of the rajahs.
He confesses British anxiety for q com
plete understanding in this country Of
the problems which have to be faced
in any attempt to crafty Indias long
ing for self government. AS to that
ultimate goal" Sir John informs us.
unsnimity exists not only among the
Independence party IN india, but
throughout Great Britain Is well. There
Is difference Of opinion merely rs to
the time and method.
Whist we of the West need chiefly to
remember, this authoritative exponent
of British policy explains, is that politi-
cal development In India cannot be
considered from the ordinary Occidental
viewpoint. To discuss independence for
India in terms analogous to the Ameri-
can Colonies struggle for independence
from the British crown q century and
half ago-fer instances deeried as
wholly beside the mark, midas teem-
ing tens of millions are torn by ancient
grudges which have their roots IN
racial, religious and tribal differences
and the fierce animosities these en-
gender. MFR. Gandhi's followers, though
they number several million, eonsti-
tute. after all, only an insignificant
minority of persons fitted by educa-
ton even to understand what self gov
eminent means. The overwhelming
mass OF Indians Is undoubtedly both
ignorant Of, and Indifferent to, that
issue.
These and q host OF other factors
make of India a complex banning to
British and Indian craftsmanship, yet
not one that discourages leaders in
both countries from their determine
ton to work out sane solution Of the
problem Sir John Simon radiates hope
that this may sooner or later come to
pass, provided the "non-eo-operation
dogma of Mahatma Gandhi and his
cohorts does not crystalline into a sui
len refusal to embark upon any kind
Of progressive development Icing 10
Indian autonomy.
Sir John invites American attention
to one aspect Of the problem, to which
| little thought is given abroad. That Is
the strategic necessities Britain faces
especially on midas famed northwest
frontier. The soldiers of the King
are burdened with q definite response
bility, Simon contends, for the terri
torial security Of the Indian empire
"One-third Of the area Of India is not
British at ALL" he said In an address
broadcast from washington last night
"It consists Of $50 Indian states, the
rulers Of which look to the British
crown, under their treaties Of agree
ment, TO preserve their integrity and
protect them from external danger"
: Sir John Simon boldly" says that
Britain Is entitled to the sympathy
and support Of the American people
in the effort she Is making TO develop
self-goyernment institutions in India
He pleads that Britain is working to
that end in the face of every sort Of
difnculty and encouragement" The
chairman Of the Indian Commission Of
Inquiry has at any rate laid before us
an array of facts which merit our dis
passionate consideration, freed from
any Of that purely sentimental interest
which Americans are always ready to
evince In the struggle Of subject peoples
for those rights which our own Declare
ton Of Independence sets forth as ia
alienahle.