INDIA'S FOUR POINTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17909, 11 October 1921, Page 7

INDIA'S FOUR POINTS.

STATUS IN THE EMPIRE.

RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP.

REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z. DELHI. Oct. 9 A Government memorandum has been issued detailing the views advanced by the Indian representatives at the Imperial Conference. They are: — Firstly, that each cormnunity of the British Commonwealth should enjoy complete control of the composition of its own population by means of restriction of immigration from, any other community.

Secondly, that facilities be given for visits and temporary residence except for labour purposes. Thirdly, that Indians already domiciled in other British countries be allowed to bring out their wives and children, provided that not more than one wife and her children are admitted. Fourthly, removal of disabilities to which Indians resident in other countries are subjected. The fourth point is most important from the Indian standpoint. The memorandum gratefully acknowledges the goodwill of Australia and Canada in carrying out numbers two and three of these requirements. It points out that in New Zealand and Newfoundland Indians are subjected to no disabilities, but expresses regret that New Zealand passed an immigration Act.

It bitterly condemns the hostility of some other Dominion as threatening the Empire's solidarity, and suggests a removal of all irksome restrictions, freer intercourse between the various bodies, free admission of Indian students to all Dominion universities, and also visits of Dominion representatives during the ses'sion of the Indian Legislature. Finally, the memorandum suggests that the Imperial Cabinet recognise India's claim to full rights of citizenship by merging Indians in the general body of citizens in whatever part of the Empire they are lawfully domiciled.