Statement of Maharaja Hari Singh on Butler Committee
They (Princes) had imagined a committee different alike in composition and functions from that which ultimately materalised. It was expected that round a nucleus of English statesmen of reputation, there would be grouped representatives of the Government of India, of British India and of the Indian States together with financial, constitutional and political experts. Two things Inhere uppermost in their minds; firstly, they had become painfully conscious that what was called political practice whitted away rights, which they believed to have been safeguarded by treaties: secondly, they found their position was one of considerable uncertainty, not merely in regard to their future relations with a self governing British India, but also in regard to their present relation with the Government of India. They were anxious to find out precisely where they stood, where their rights began and those of the Paramount power ended so that they might take stock of the part they were called upon to play in greater India which they saw shaping before their eyes, but the Committee from the very nature of its personnel and restricted lines of reference could not conduct an examination satisfactorily. The Committee by its own admission was not a judicial tribunal. This was conclusive evidence that the State could not receive at its hands that kind of award which was their principal reason for asking for an enquiry at all.”