It is most satisfactory to know that a draft of
the Prime Minister's speech had been accepted in advance by the Unionist and Liberal leaders. Nothing could be more important than to secure a continuity of British policy in regard to India and it is evident that so far Mr. MacDonald speaks in the name of the whole British Parliament. The exceptional conjunction of a Labour Government and a Unionist Viceroy is being properly used. It has been arranged that when the Conference settles down to business next week the various delegations shall sit in groups. The Conference Committee, which arranges the order of business, has decided that the first subject of discussion must be whether the develop- ment of India is to be on Federal lines. The reason for this choice is that the question of status logically depends upon the nature of the body upon which the status is to be conferred. It must not be assumed that the Conference will draw up a Constitution in detail. Rather it will reveal the greatest common measure of agreement on the principles which must form the substance of the new Constitution. The Conference will not even vote. Note.; will be made of the degree of assent obtained for any- particular proposal.
