(Extract)
The Indian States Delegation unanimously
adopted the following resolution in respect of the proposals of His Majesty's
Government which you discussed with them:
"The attitude of the Indian States
in general on the mission of the Lord Privy Seal is summed up in the resolution
on the subject which was adopted unanimously at the recent Session of the
Chamber of Princes. The Indian States will be glad as always, in their
contribution, in every reasonable manner compatible with the soveregnity
and integrity of the States towards the framing of a new Constitution for
India.
The States should be assured, however,
that in the event of a number of States not finding it feasible to adhere,
the non-adhering States or groups of States, so desiring would have the
right to form a Union of their own with full sovereign status in accordance
with a suitable and agreed procedure devised for the purpose."
RESOLUTION
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that the Chamber welcomes the Annoncement
made in the House of Common on the 11th March, 1942 by the Prime Minister
and the forthcoming visit to India of the Lord Privy Seal and leader of
the House of Commons, and expresses the hope that it may help to unite
India to intensify further her war effort and to strengthen measures for
the defence of the Motherland.
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that this Chamber has repeatedly made
it clear that any scheme to be acceptable to the States must effectively
protect their right arising from Treaties, Engagements and Sanads or otherwise
and ensure the future existence, sovereignty and autonomy of the States
thereunder guaranteed, the leave them complete freedom duly to discharge
their obligations to the Crown and to their subjects it therefore notes
with particular satisfaction in reference in the Announcement of the Prime
Minister to the fulfillment of the Treaty obligations to the Indian States.
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that this Chamber authorises its representatives
for the constitutional advance of India with due regard to the successful
prosecution of war and the interests of the States, and subject to final
confirmation by the Chamber and without prejudice to the right of the Individual
States to be consulted in respect of any proposals affecting their Treaty
or other inherent rights.
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