Mr. McLeod, Chairman of the East Indian Section of the London Chamber of Commerce, served a luncheon to the Indian delegates to the War Conference. Sir S. Sinha said that the problems between India and the rest of the Empire were being treated with mutual forbearance and understanding and if that spirit continued the difficulties would vanish. He believed that any fear with regard to the security of British supremacy in India would shortly disappear, because the loyalty of India in the war would convince Britons that India desired to remain always an integral part of the Empire. He believed that the war would also bring about mutual trust and confidence between the different sections of the people of India. India wanted more autonomous power in regard to finance and more equitable adjustment of the burden devolving on India. Each part of the Empire must contribute according to its resources and power to the defence of the Empire. Referring to the expansion of industry and commerce of India. Sir S. Sinha emphasised that the resources of India must not be exploited by other parts of the Empire for their own benefit (cheers). The first aim must be the welfare of India herself, and this would be most advantageous to the Empire itself.
Mr. Chamberlain said in the development of India there was room enough for all India and Britain could do. It would be foolish policy for Britons to appear to grudge or desire to hamper the development of India’s industries (cheers).
The development of those industries was not only a commercial but a political interest of the first consequence. Britain and India must do all they could for it so as to make India more prosperous and a better market for British goods which India could not produce (cheers).
