Lord Wavell in London
The arrival of Lord Wavell in this country necessarily raises hopes. It may possibly raise them too high, for it is clear that the Viceroy has come to London at least as much to discuss military and economic questions as political. But that does not alter the fact that the political situation is not merely ripe for discussion, but is urgently demanding discussion. India is peaceful and in many ways more prosperous than she has ever been, but the political ambitions of educated Indians are as strong as ever, and they are still unsatisfied. Lord Wavell has now been Viceroy for eighteen months, and before that he had long experience of Indian administration as a member of the Viceroy's Council. It can hardly be doubted that some policy better than a policy of drift has shaped itself in his mind, and it would be a misfortune if, supposing him to have come with positive proposals, such as the release of political prisoners, he should find any opposition in Whitehall or Downing Street. Apart from Lord Wavell's own proposals, various others are in the field. Sir Zafrulla Khan has propounded one plan in the columns of this journal and another, rather different, in The Times. Certain understandings in the Assembly are rumoured. The Sapru Committee will shortly report, but to what purpose is doubtful. But there are signs of expectation in India, and of inclination on the part of Congress to reassume responsibility in some at least of the Provincial Ministries. The Vceroy's part in the first instance is to meet such advances half-way. But it may be hoped that as a second step he has some larger and more constructive proposal to put forward.
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