INDIAN PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 19516, 16 May 1922, Page 5

INDIAN PROBLEMS

EQUAL STATUS ABROAD . MR SASTRI'S MISSION TO DOMINIONS OFFICIAL FAREWELL AT DELHI (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Reuters’ Telegrams). DELHI, Miay 13. On the eve of his departure to the Dominions io plead for equality of status for Indians settled there, Mr Sastri received a hearty send-off at a great official banquet held at Simla, The Viceroy read a message from the Secretary of State for India in which the latter; after referring to the Imeperial Conference’s resolution on equality aud Mr Sastri’a part in its passage, poihted out that no better person 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 appreciated the cordiality of the Dominion Premiers and hoped substantial results would follow MrSastri’s visit. At least Mr Sastri could, lay the foundation of ultimate success. 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 the status of India thait she was now asked to treat, directly through her representatives with the Dominion Governments as equal to equal. The Dominion Premiers doubtless sympathised with the demands of the Indians. They showed readiness to understand the Indian cause and if possible befriend it Mr Sastri regretfully mentioned that though Mr Lloyd George’s eloquence was greatly responsible for the passage of the equality resolution he could not conceal the possibility of an adverse decision of Mr Lloyd George’s Government regarding Kenya aud Uganda. In that case he feared disastrous consequences would follow and the success of his mission be jeopardised. He believed the British commonwealth was unique among the political institutions of the world for the opportunity it gave of a solution of the great problems of labour conflict and class- distinction between East and West. Other political organisations had pot the same facilities for 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 Sastri 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 hictory of India as the complete wreck of confidence in the Government. This it was the duty of every administration to rebuild by a scrupulous 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. 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 the ordinary policy -of conserving vested interests. Englishmen must feel that the paramount thing was not the maintenance of their privilege or interests but the maintenance of India within the British commonwealth. Only in t/nat way could they do their duty by India, and England and the higher duty to humanity and civilisation at large. GANDHI’S SON SENTENCED. DELHI, May 13. Gandhi’s son has been eentenced to 18 months simple imprisoanient.