(EDITORIAL) …[T]hat the Jinnah-Gandhi talks are to continue would in itself prove that initial hurdles have been overcome… The need for Hindu-Muslim unity had always been flung at India by British politicians who would virtuously deny that they were in any sense following the traditional policy of divide et impera.

Now that both Mr. Jinnah and Mr. Gandhi are nearer agreement than ever before, it is not surprising that new bogeys are being subtly raised to defer the ultimate transfer of power….

There has never been any refusal on the part of the British Government to utter sonorous phrases about the progressive realisation of responsible Government in India by gradual stages. Sir Stafford Cripps… says: “The British Government is anxious for an agreement so that orderly and speedy progress can be made towards the working of a new Constitution in India.”

But the invitation to permanent minorities to look upon the British Government as eternal guardians of their rights would indicate the shape of things to come… To play upon the susceptibilities of such minorities or to invoke the Indian Princes as a valid reason for delaying transfer of power to Indian hands has been practised by the British Government as the occasion suited… — Dawn Delhi

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2019