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APPENDIX X
Sardar Patel's Statement of 16th December, 1947
The public has already received through the Press and over the radio a fairly clear and detailed picture of the settlement which I have reached, during the course of my visit to Orissa and C.P. and Berar, with the Rulers of Orissa and Chattisgrah States on the problem of integration of those States with their neighbouring Provinces. I feel, however, that for a correct appreciation of this important event it is necessary for me to explain the background and the policy underlying that settlement. Democratisation of the administration which has long been the keynote of Congress policy towards the States, has become a pressing problem since August 15th. The Princes themselves have in many cases begun to realise the spirit of the times and have been gradually introducing measures in accord with that spirit. The progress has been in some States slow, in others it has been swift, but everywhere it has been sure.
It should be obvious to everyone, however, that even democracy and democratic institutions can function efficiently only where the unit to which these are applied can subsist in a fairly autonomous existence. Where, on account of smallness of its size, isolation of its situation, the inseparable link with a neighbouring autonomous territory, be it a Province or a bigger State, in practically all economic matters of every-day life, the inadequacy of resources to open up its economic potentialities, the backwardness of its people and the sheer incapacity to shoulder a self-contained administration, a State is unable to afford a modern system of government both democratisation and integration are clearly and unmistakably indicated.
In the world of today, where distances are fast shrinking and masses are being gradually brought into touch with latest administrative amenities it is impossible to postpone for a day longer than necessary the introduction of measures which would make the people realise that their progress is also proceeding at least on the lines of their neighbouring areas. Delays inevitably lead to discontent. which in its turn results in lawlessness; the use of force may for a time check the popular urge for reform, but it can never succeed in eradicating it altogether. Indeed, in many of the States with which I had to hold discussions during the last two days large-scale unrest had already gripped the people; in others the rumblings of the storm were being heard. In such circumstances, after careful and anxious thought, I came to the conclusion that for smaller States of this type, placed in circumstances which I have described above, there was no alternative to integration and democratisation.
