Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-12-04

AM6ASSADVk PHILLIPS
Ambassador Phillips first letter to President
Roosevelt, made public last July, on the subject of
India, caused enough commotion The full text
OF the second report, made year ago last spring
from India, has been just published in Drew Pear
sons Washington Merry-Go-Round column of
November 10. Whether commotion in certain cir
cles will lead to CONSERVATION, do not know
Mr. Phillips cannot, second time, be fired"
We believe there is such thing as exemption
from double indemnity Sir Olaf Caroe the
British Secretary of External Affairs at New Delhi
informed the British Secretary of State for India
in London-our old friend Whipping post" Colonel
Amery-that the views Mr. Phillips had stated
would make it impossible for us to do other than
regard him as persona grata and could not
receive him" Well, that that regardless of
Lord Halifax's no doubt technically correct denial
that his government had declared the American
Ambassador persona non grata or demanded his
withdrawal
In his second report, published, after
penetrating analysis of the causes responsible for
the protracted deadlock between Indian National
leaders and the British government, Mr.. Phillips
put forward a concrete proposal way out, for
President Roosevelts consideration:
with the approval and blessing of the Brit
ish government, an invitation could be ad
dressed to the Leaders of all Indian political
groups, on behalf OF the President OF the
United States to meet together to discuss plans
for the future.
preSOed
American who could exercise influence in har-
ligon race and political views
The conference might we'll be under the
patronage of the King Emperor, the President
Soviet Union and Chang Kai-shek in order to
bring pressure to bear Indian politicians.
Upon the issuance of the invitations the
of the intention of the British government to
transfer power to India upon certain date
setup for the duration. The conference could
American craftsmanship would have the
avantage not only MY Of expressing the interest
India. but would also be guarantee to the
This is an important point because as have
air: already said in previous letters, British prom
lses IN this regard are no longer believed
IF either of the principal parties refused
10 aIteno the conference, 1t would be notice
to to- all the world that India not ready for
seif-government, and I doubt whether
political leader would put himself in such a
We have no means of knowing whether this
suggestion was put up to MI. Churchill ALI we can
say is that had it been carried out the embittered
lmpasse IN India would, in all probability have
been ended. On the other hand there are strong
reasons for believing that the British would never
have entertained the proposal, even if it promised
peace and settlement in India. The one thing
they do not want is American intervention leave
alone the american Craftsmanship" of such con-
ference.
On March Is, 1943 Colonel Oliver Stanley
Cnurchllls Colonial Secretary, declared in Parla-
ment that the first and fundamental principle is
that administration of the British Colonies must
be the sole responsibility of Great Britain" The
following day the Prime Minister backed up his
Secretary with an emphatic endorsement: 1.-The
government is convinced that the administration
OF the British Colonies must continue to be the sole
responsibility of Great Britain"
We do not have the exact date of Mr. Phillips
report. but it looks as though Mr.. Churchill and
his Colonial Secretary were rather in hurry to
Thnu
testing too much. Whether this was so or not the
British attitude is unmistakable-and quite un-
derstandable. eve mean to hold our own as Mr.
churchill has, with such engaging terseness put
on record. The American public should not there
TORE have any illusions about the matter.
Referring to his proposal for an American
This is an important point because as have
already said in previous letters British promises in
this regard are no longer believed"
There is the whole crux of the matter. and it
is worthwhile examining the evidence that exists
IN support OF Mr.. Phillips considered judgment
What precisely are British promises worth
From the December issue Of "voice
of India" Monthly Magazine.
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