The Principle of Nationality

THOSE who object to the grant of self-governing powers to the people of India have not so far attempted to reconcile the present method of Government in India with the ideal for which the war is being fought. The principle of national freedom which is widely recognised in Europe as governing the policy of the Allies cannot leave India unaffected or with superficial reforms in which the people themselves-whatever may be their imperfections as judged by their political opponents-have no definite control. In a recent speech at Calcutta Sir Archy Birkmyre declared that for years, if not generations past, the Europeans in India abstained from politics from habit. "There has been no need," he said, "and we have always felt that our interests were being safeguarded by our rulers who, after all, are kith and kin with ourselves." Quite so. But what about the many millions of Indians whose interests have from generations been in the hands of those who are neither their kin nor kin?