IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 11 July 1921, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

INDIAN AFFAIRS

EQUALITY OF CITIZENSHIP.

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

LONDON, July 8

The morning session o f the Premiers' Conference to-day wag occupied with Indian Affairs.

The Maharajah of Cutch and Mr Sastri stated^ th<g case for equality o* citizenship within the Empire.

Mr Sastri admitted the right of the Dominions to iestrict immigration, but he opposed invidious discrimination between Indians and other British, subjects. He expressed satisfaction with the first instalment of Indian self-gov-ernment and hoped it would develop into full Dominion govern m e^, M r A. J. Balfour tollowef with" an exposition of the League, of Nations, which, he said, had already proved o* incalculable advantage to the participants. The League was destined to become the greatest instrument of peace in the world.

, The Indian delegates invited the,Do'minion Premiers to visit India as the guests of the Government. Mr.Massey,, Mr ''Meighen and General Smuts regretted they could not afford the time.

The conference was attended to-day by officers of the Colonial Office, Mr W. M. Hughes, Mr W. F. Massey and representatives of the Foreign Office to discuss the New Hebrides and the failure of the condominium. Mr Hughes put forward his proposal for consideration by the British Government, and Mr Churchill promised to bring the idea before Cabinet witih a view to future discussion. It was agreed that Mr Hughes, who is to Visit France, should take up the question with the French Government, after again! with the Colonial and Foreign Offices. It is understood the suggestion is on the lines already cabled, suggesting control by Britain, or Australia.

The British delegates to the League of Nations Council also attended the conference to-day, explaining the position, progress and outlook. A short discussion followed, all the Prime Ministers participating. The tone\of some of the speeches was almost hostile, th© opinion being expressed that unless there were signs of improvement the

League was a useless extravagance. Later Mr Sastri made a statement on behalf of the Government of India.