MR SASTRI.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 28 October 1922, Page 7

MR SASTRI.

MISSION TO DOMINIONS

BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION—COPYEIGHT LONDON, Oct. 26. The Colonial Institute tendered a luncheon to Mr. Sastri (the Indian statesman who recently visited the Dominions). Mr. Lagden, proposing Mr. Sastri's health, referred to the remarkable success of his Empire mission. Mr. Sastri said he believed his mission to the Dominions had helped to bring into vivid actuality the background of mutual understanding and goodwill necessary to the introduction of measures to ameliorate the lot of Indians domiciled in the Dominions. He did not expect the immediate fulfilment, of his mission; he had hoped merely to lay the foundations of a good understanding between India and the Dominions, and he believed *he had achieved a measure of success in that direction.

He found what was often described as a prejudice against Indians—not so much a prejudice against race and colour as. an apprehension that their unrestricted advent to the Dominions might reduce wages and the standard of living, and even affect the quality of civilisation, which the Dominions were anxious to preserve. Everywhere in the Dominions the Empire was cherished with a warmth and affection unprecedented in history. His appeal to the Dominions for equality of citizenship for Indians met a willing ear, and it was fairly certain it would not be long before the legislation sought would be passed. Referring to India's position in the Empire, he said all doubt and hesitancy regarding the desirability of' maintaining the Imperial connection must be eliminated at the earliest possible moment. British rule must be maintained before all considerations. It was the duty of British statesmen to terminate as soon as possible the trying period of transition and fulfil the promises of responsible government for India,—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.