Resolution
of the Working Committee
of the National Conference,
February 10, 1946
Legal Document No
84
The working Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir
National Conference have taken into consideration the
speech made by the Viceroy of India in the Princes'
Chamber on the17th January, 1946 along with the
declaration made by the Chancellor of the Chamber on
behalf of the Princes regarding: constitutional
advancement in the States. After fully examining the
salient points in both the speeches, the Working
Committee have come to the following conclusions:
1. That the advice tendered by the Crown
Representative to the Princes regarding the steps to
be taken in making tl1e administration of these States
progressive did not amount to anything progressive. In
fact it lost all its significance when he (Viceroy),
made such progress conditional on the maintenance of
the treaties and the consent of the Princes. These
treaties and engagements which are outdated,
reactionary and questionable have always stood and
will always stand in the way of the States People's
progress and to think that the Rulers will give. up
their privileged positions that they enjoy under them
at their sweet will is nothing but wishful thinking.
The National Conference has at several occasions made
it clear that these treaties have been made in times
and under circumstances, which do not obtain now and
have been framed without seeking the consent of the
States people. Under such circumstances no treaties or
engagements which act as a dividing wall between their
progress and that of their brethren in British India,
can be binding on the people.
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