(Extract)
They (Princes) had imagined a committee
different alike in composition and functions from that which ultimately
materalised. It was expected that round a nucleus of English statesmen
of reputation, there would be grouped representatives of the Government
of India, of British India and of the Indian States together with financial,
constitutional and political experts. Two things Inhere uppermost in their
minds; firstly, they had become painfully conscious that what was called
political practice whitted away rights, which they believed to have been
safeguarded by treaties: secondly, they found their position was one of
considerable uncertainty, not merely in regard to their future relations
with a self governing British India, but also in regard to their present
relation with the Government of India. They were anxious to find out precisely
where they stood, where their rights began and those of the Paramount power
ended so that they might take stock of the part they were called upon to
play in greater India which they saw shaping before their eyes, but the
Committee from the very nature of its personnel and restricted lines of
reference could not conduct an examination satisfactorily. The Committee
by its own admission was not a judicial tribunal. This was conclusive evidence
that the State could not receive at its hands that kind of award which
was their principal reason for asking for an enquiry at all." |