SASTRI'S MISSION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 5

SASTRI'S MISSION.

FOR EQUALITY OF INDIA. WITH OTHER BRITISH DOMINIONS. NO FAITH IN ENGLAND. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday, 7.0 p.m.) DELHI, May 13. On the eve of his departure for the Dominions to plead for equality of status for the Indians settled there, Lhe Hon. V. S. Sastri received a hearty send-off at a great official banquet held by the Viceroy at Simla. The Viceroy read a message from the Secretary of State for India, who, after referring to the Imperial Conference's resolution on equality, and to Mr Sasiri's part in securing its passage, pointed out that no better person than Mr Sastri could be selected to treat with the Dominions and persuade their Legislatures to enact the necessary laws. He had the fullest support of the Government of India behind him. The Viceroy said he appreciated the cordiality of the Dominion Premiers, and hoped that substantial results would follow Mr Sastri's visit. At the least, Mr Sastri could lay the foundations of ultimate success. THE COLOUR CONFLICT. Mr Sastri, in responding, said the Indian Government was now entirely national in spirit concerning- the important question of the disabilities of Indians abroad. It was also a sign of the rise in status of India that she was now aaked to treat directly through her representatives with Dominion G/Jvernments as equal to equal. The Dominion Premiers doubtless sympathised with the demands of the Indians, and showed readiness to understand the Indian cause, and if possible to befriend it. Mr Sastri regretfully mentioned that though Mr Lloyd George's eloquence was greatly responsible for the Passage of the Equality resolution, he did not conceal the possibility of an adverse decision of Mr Lloyd George's Government regarding Kenya and Uganda. in that case, he feared disastrous consequences would follow, and the success of his mission would be jeopardised. Mr Sastri said he believed the British Commonwealth was unique amongst the political institutions of the world for the opportunity it gave for the solution of the great problem of colour conflict and the clash between East and West. Other political organisations had not the same facilities for settling tins problem as the British Empire. India was the theatre where the problem •was being solved, but its solution lay only in mutual understanding, harmoiiv of purpose, and the fullest recognition of equality and brotherhood. DUTIES, NOT PRIVILEGES. Mr Sastri. after referring to the great work done by the British m India, emphasised that the people, ot India at present had no faith in the 'inventions and declarations of the British Government. There was nothing so tragic in the whole history of India as the complete wreck of confidence in the Government. This it was the duty of every Administration to rebuild, by a scupulous manifestation of liberality and progressiveness. "Onward and ever onward" must be the motto of every man. He pleaded for patience and forbearance in handling the present situation, and, in concluding, said that while he would say nothing to dishearten the public servants or embitter any section of the people, he believed the present evil could not be cured by an ordinary policy of conserving vested interests. Englishmen must feel that the paramount thing was not the maintenance of privileges or interests, but the maintenance of India within 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. GANDHIS SON GAOLED. DELHI, May 13. Gandhi's son has been sentenced to eighteen months* simple imprisonment.