A PIEBALD EMPIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 184, 6 August 1925, Page 7

A PIEBALD EMPIRE.

POWERFUL INDIAN'S IDEA.

ASSIMILATIVE IMPOSSIBILITY.

THE AGA KHAN'S LETTER.

{By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

LONDON, August 5,

In a letter to the "Times" commenting on the posthumous publication of Lord Milner's profession of faith in the destiny of the British Empire, the Aga Khan says: "Lord Milner declared himself a British race patriot. If the Empire consisted only, or mainly, of portions peopled by the British 'race, something might be said for such a view, but in the modern post-war world it is impossible permanently to rule a vast populous land like India as a second-class portion because it is outside the charmed circle comprising lands dominantly British in administration and colonisation outlook.

"It is equally impossible for India to be content with a junior partnership." The Aga Khan then proceeds to state that various attempts at assimilation had failed. "Assimilation remains today equally unacceptable to both sides. In my humble judgment the ultimate solution of the problem of England's piebald Empire lies in consistent leadership along the paths of international peace and culture in conformity with the traditional forbearance and magnanimity of the British race."—("Times.") His Highness Aga Sultan Sir Mahomed Shah, the Aga Khan, is the spiritual head and leader of the Indian Mohammedan community. He is an hon. LL.D. of Cambridge. He is a First-class Chief of the Bombay Presidency for life. He is famous as the owner of successful racehorses. Among the late Lord Milner's unpublished documents was an inspiring confession of faith in the destiny of the British Empire, entitled "Credo." He said: "If I am an Imperialist, it is because it has been the destiny of our race, owing to our insular position and ■upremacy at sea, to strike fresh roots in distant parts of the world. I feel that Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the Empire are as much my country as Surrey or Yorkshire." Lady Milner has permitted the "Times" to publish the document which attracted interest throughout the country. Lord Stonehaven, at a luncheon at the Colonial Institute, said he thought that Lord Milner's "Credo" opened a new. page in the Empire's history. Tt should be taught in every elementary school of the Empire.

Actually hundreds of thousands of copies of "Credo" will be circulated through British schools, colleges, and universities.