INDIAN SITUATION.

Grey River Argus, 16 May 1922, Page 5

INDIAN SITUATION.

AN IMPERIALIST DELEGATE. MAKES SOME ADMISSIONS. [A. and N. Z. Cable Association] DELHI, May 13. On the eve of the departure to the Dominions to plpad for equality of status for Indians settled there. Mr. Sastri received a hearty send off at a great official banquet held at Simla. The Viceroy read a message from the Secretary of State for India wherein the latter, after referring to ihe Imperial Conferences’ resolution on equality, and Mr Sastri’s part in its passage, pointed out that no better person could be selected to treat with Dominions to persuade their Legislatures to enact the necessary laws. He had the fullest support of ihe Government of India behind him. The A iceroy said that he appreciated the cordiality of the Dominions’ Premiers and hoped substantial results would follow Mr Sastri’s visit. At hast, Mr Sastri could lay the foundation of ultimate success, Mr Sastri, responding, said that the Indian Government was now entirely naiional in spirit. Concerning the important question of disabilities of In dians it was also a sign of the rise m status of India that she was now asked to treat directly through het representatives with the Dominion Governments, us an equal. The Dominion premiers, doubtless, sympathised with the demands of the Indians. They showed a readiness to understand the Indian cause, and if possible befriend it. He regretfully mentioned that though Mr Lloyd George’s eloquence was greatly responsible for the passage of ‘ ‘ equality ” resolution, he (Sastri) could not conceal a possibility of an advorse decision of Mr Lloyd George’s Government regarding Kenya and Uganda. In that case, he feared that disastrous consequences would follow, and the success of his mission would be jeopardised. He believed that the British commonwealth was unique amongst political institutions of the world, for the opportunity it gave of the solution of a great problem of colour conflict and clash between East and West. Other political organisations had not the same facilities for settling this prolem as had the British Empire. India was the theatre where the problem was being solved, but its] solution lay only in mutual understanding, harmony of purpose and fullest recognition of equality and brotherhood. Air Sastri, after referring to the great work done by the British, in India. emphasised the fact that the people of India at present had no faith in the intentions and dec-laration of the British Government. There was nothing so tragic in the whole history of India as the complete wreck of confidence in the Government. Thus it was the duty of every administration to rebuild by scrupulous manifestations of liberally and progressiveness. Onwar* I and ever onward must be the motto of -every man. He pleaded for patience and forbearance in handling the present situation and while he would say nothing to dishearten public servants or embitter any section of the people, he believed the present evil could not be cured by the ordinary policy of conserving vested interests. Englishmen must feel that the. paramount thing was not the maintenance of their privilege or interest but the mantenance of India with the British Commonwealth. Only in that way could they do their duty by India and England. and their higher duty to humanity and civilisation at large.