Foreign News: My Indian People

George V, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, rode in state down the Strand last week to the just-finished pile of India House on Aldwych, passed smiling between lines of gold-braided officialdom, mounted the Throne of India guarded by four gigantic Indian Orderlies in red and black, and faced his own specially designed gold and silver microphone.

As soon as it was announced, weeks ago, that the Emperor of India was going to open India House, numerous British editors sprang to the conclusion that a weighty and stirring appeal would pass through that microphone. With no official authorization whatever, they insisted that His Majesty was going to use the dedication of India House as an opportunity to make the speech of his life. Is not the Indian Empire on a brink? They recalled the occasion in 1921 when at Belfast the Royal appeal “Forgive and forget!” did much to end the Irish War. They prophesied that at India House the Emperor of India would pour such words into the Royal microphone as might well solve the Indian Situation.

The broadcast net covered India. Radio listeners round the world heard the benevolent voice of George V dedicate India House with words as mild as milk toast.

“A quarter-century has passed since the Queen and I paid our first memorable visit to India. In that time India has never lost her hold upon my affections and sympathy. There have been many changes and some dark days but I rejoice to think that through them all she has steadily advanced to her assured place among the great peoples of the earth. Of that advancement India House is in some degree a symbol. . . .

“As I look round me I see emblems of the religions, the Provinces and the States of India. This building which contains them surely testifies to the unity of India in herself. The position of India House among those of the sister nations, here in the centre of my capital, further symbolizes the unity of the greater Commonwealth of which she is a part. For a deeper realization of that two-fold unity I most earnestly pray.

“During recent months I have watched with anxious heart the troublous passage of events. Trusting in divine guidance, I hopefully await the day that shall restore the gift of true understanding and thus unite every race and creed in one desire to bring peace and contentment to my Indian people. . . .

“I now have much pleasure in declaring India House open and I trust it may not only serve the imperial progress of that country, but, by spreading sound knowledge, may it foster between the peoples of India and Britain that ‘wider sympathy’ for which I pleaded many years ago and plead again today.”

Exclaimed Georges (“Tiger”) Clemenceau, once to his secretary Jean Martet: “I have never known a King who had the soul of a King!” Of the British Royal Family he added gently: “They are admirable people, what can one expect?”