At midnight next Thursday British rule in India, extending back for nearly two centuries, will end: India will become two independent Dominions. There is no parallel in history for this act of statesmanship, as there is none for the moral and material benefits which the British Raj has brought to India. What the great change will mean for India herself is beyond prediction. The dragon’s teeth of hatred and violence so long sown by Congress may yet produce an evil harvest. One hope there is, however, and it is bright. In the very act of separation, Hindu and Moslem seem, by the speeches of their leaders, to have found the means of agreement: nor does it appear impossible for the Princes to co-operate in the new India without sacrifice of their essential rights. The renewed threats of famine in some areas should forcibly remind Indian politicians that independence will not profit their country unless its menacing economic problems are taken promptly and firmly in hand.

Talking point

One of the current crazes in wireless entertainment is for what is called, rather solemnly, “listener participation”. Whether they know it or not, the contrivers of these abundant free-for-all programmes are taking a leaf out of the dominie’s book, for it must be 50 years since schoolmasters made the discovery that time passes more agreeably if the capricious little creatures are encouraged to join in rather than listen.

Fun at puzzle corner, WE Williams

Key quote

“I believe that whereas Nazism may revive in Germany, Fascism can never revive in Italy … The Germans are irrational and emotional people; the Italians are a rational, logical people. They announce principles but they practise compromise.”

Hugh Trevor-Roper