Commons debate not satisfactory. Argument that noone in India wants Bill. Courtauld's unscrupulous speech. Lancashire members likely to vote against Government unless 5% surcharge is reduced. Good opening of Lords debate. Precedence of Athlones in India.
Successful end to Lords debate. Lords debate depresses Churchill. Discussion of political position regarding Bill and his anxiety concerning numerically formidable Lancashire members. Thanks Viceroy for sending correspondence between Morning Post and Patiala. Obstacles in way of giving an allotme...
S/S's broadcast on Report. Meetings with experts regarding Bill. Only outstanding question is treatment of Railway Board: impossible to accept Grigg's suggestions. Favourable comments on work of assistance given to India Office by Sir James Dunnett (Reforms Commissioner, Govt of India). Asks Vice...
Complaint about official telegram regarding cotton surtax. Zafrulla's appointment to Commerce Department: hopes Viceroy will find vacancy for Jayakar soon. Asks Viceroy to consider question of improved housing conditions for Police. No gold medal being issued for Jubilee. Drafting of Bill: feelin...
Cabinet unanimous against Preamble mentioning Dominion Status. Reasons for decision. Cabinet accept draft of Bill. Interest in India dying down in country. In favour of Viceroy's seeing Gandhi. Glad at settlement of outstanding questions with Maritime States. Talk with Prince of Wales about India...
Reports of successful meeting of Princes. Asks how to deal with recent Assembly debates. Disappointment at no reduction in cotton duties. Realises importance attached to Dominion Status by Indians: difficulties of using words in Preamble. S/S's successful Oxford meeting.
Agreement in Cabinet about statement on Dominion Status. Vote [in India Assembly] on Trade Agreement likely to have bad effect on Lancashire members. Time-table for Bill. Churchill's broadcast. Anderson's conference to consider terrorist position: question whether Intelligence system needs streng...
Government's statement of policy accepted. Hope that debates in England and India will be successful. Mischief done by Randolph Churchill at Wavertree. Impossible to accede to request from Patiala and Hyderabad to postpone Committee Stage of Bill.
Result of Second Reading division. Certain number of Conservatives against National Govt. Hopes debate will not react against Bill in India. Presses that Grigg should make sympathetic reference to Lancashire in budget speech. Rose and Persian Gulf.
Start of Committee Stage in Commons. Churchill's attempts to embarrass Government. Hopes Princes will be reasonable at Bombay meeting. Agrees that Bhore would be best for next High Commissioner, but thinks it too early to fill post. Agrees to Cassels for new C-in-C.