The last scene at Westminster found British statesmen ready to dispose of Indian claims serenely. On Friday, Lords and Commons met only to witness their King’s own formal approval of the Indian Independence Act. It is, however, important to note that independence is not derived from the last piece of parliamentary interference with India but from the transfer of power to the Indian people. The Tories have not expressed discontent with the pace of scuttling. Mr Attlee has not merely undone the work of Disraeli but launched the fourth British empire on its career of strengthening itself through free association. That Indian unity has suffered has provoked real regret even at the last minute, for the future is not as bright as one may wish. From the press conference of Mr Jinnah on Sunday, conclusions as to the status of the minorities have been drawn. But interest has certainly shifted to the mechanics of the constitution. The Leaguers in the Constituent Assembly are presenting amendments for their own purpose. But the majority view prevails easily in regard to drafts under consideration. While the bifurcation of the Interim Government is impending, the partition of the armed forces has been duly completed.. The referendum in Sylhet has resulted in a vote for Pakistan. The district goes out of Assam into East Bengal. The result shows that the small majority has been more successful than those who sought to preserve the unity of the Assam valleys. The Frontier referendum has concluded, but a new chapter of controversy has opened up since the value of the vote is questioned. There is little doubt that Pathans are undecided about joining Pakistan for that means subservience to East Punjab. The Muslim League has certainly got quick results because the plan for a free Pathan State has been overruled. The immediate prospect is clouded by the Congress ministry’s view of its own responsibilities. The Attorney-General’s opinion of the independence of the states after August 15 has raised no echoes. Negotiations at Delhi are regarded as the only possible solution. But a majority of the States are considering the Instrument of Accession and even dissentients are prepared for provisional agreements promoting uniform administration.The federal movement in the states has led to the creation of groups whose interest in the Constituent Assembly is real. The few states like Kolhapur that look for adjustments in advance will perhaps resile after the future of Berar is settled. Luckily communal conflict has slackened though Amritsar experiences trouble like Calcutta. The Boundary Commission has begun work in Calcutta. Memoranda dealing with the needs of both sides have been presented to the tribunal. Appeals to history are of little use since the adjustment of frontiers must follow a division of assets and liabilities. The departure of experienced officials admittedly creates difficulties for Bengal but it is hoped that West Bengal will get going before the Pujas. As in the Punjab, there is argument over the right to rivers and a real fear as to living space for Hindus on account of the decay of West Bengal over 70 years. The Sikhs are clearly distraught but the Panthic party is against stating its own claim for possession of all the holy places of the Sikh faith.
