CLAIMS OF THE INDIANS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 398, 16 May 1922, Page 2

CLAIMS OF THE INDIANS.

DEMAND FOR EQUALITY.

MISSION TO DOMINIONS

DELHI, Mnv 13

On the eve of his departure for the Do minimis In plead for equality of status for the Indians settled there, Mr Sustri received a hearty send oil' tit a great official banquet held at'Simla. The Viceroy read a messago from the Secretary of State for India, wherein the latter, after referring to the Imperial Conference's resolution on equality and .Mr Sasiri's part, in its passage, pointed out that no better person could be selected to treai with the Dominions and persuade rheii legislatures to enact the necessary laws, lie had the fullest, support of the Government of India behind him. The Viceroy said, be appreciated the cur diality of the Dominion Premiers, and Imped thai substantial results would follow Mr Sastri's visit. At least, Mr Saslri could lay the foundations of ultimate suc-

Mr- Kasha, responding, said die Indian Government was now entirely national in spirit concerning the importance of the question of the disabilities of Indians abroad. Ii was also n .sign of a rise in the status (if India that she was now asked to treat directly through her representatives with the Dominion Governments as an

equal. The Dominion Premiers doubtless sympathised with lite demand of the Indians'. They showed a readiness to understand the Indian cause and if possible to befriend it. Mr Sastri regretfully mentioned that ihough Mr Lloyd George's eloquence was greatly responsible for the passage of tin- equality resolution, he could nol conceal the possibility of an adverse decision of Mr Lloyd George's government regarding Kenya and Uganda. In thai case, he feared that disastrous eou.-o

queuces would follow, and that the success of ln's mission would It.' jeopardised. li'' believed the British commonwealth was unique amongst the political institutions of the world for the opportunity it gave of the solution of he great problem of the colour conflict and Ihe clash between East and West. Then political organisations had not the same iacili lies of settling this problem as 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 the fullest recognition of equality and brotherhood. Mr Saslri, 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 declarations of the British Government. There was nothing so tragic in the whole history of India as the complete wreck of conscience in the government.. This it was the duty of every administration to re-build by a scrupulous manifestation of liberality and progressivelies.-:. Onward and ever onward must he the mono for every man. lie pleaded for patience and forbearance in handling the present, situation. While he would say nothing to dishearten public servants or embitter any section of the people, be believed the present evil could not he cured by the ordinary policy of conserving voted interests. Englishmen must feel that the paramount thing was not the maintenance of their privileges :iv interests, but _ the maintenance, of India within the British Commonwealth. Duly thai way could ihey do their duly by India and England, and the higher duty to humanity and civilisation at large.—A. and N.Z. cable.