MR SASTRI'S MISSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16875, 28 October 1922, Page 8

MR SASTRI'S MISSION.

“ FOUNDATION OF GOOD UNDERSTANDING.” By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 27. The Colonial Institute tendered a luncheon to Mr_S. A'. Sastri, who recently visited New Zealand. Sir Godfrev Lagden. in proposing Mr Sastri’s health, referred to the remarkable tsuc-cess of the 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. Ke did not expect an immediate fulfilment of what had been attempted by his mission. He had hoped merely to lay the founda-

tions of a good understanding between India and the dominions. He believed that he had achieved a measure of success in that direction. Ho found that what was often described as prejudice against the Indians was not »so much, prejudice against the race and colour as apprehension that an unrestricte t advent to the dominions might reduce wages and the standard of living, and even affect the quality of the civilisation which the dominions were anxious to preserve. Everywhere in the dominions the Empire wa/s cherished with a warmth and affection unprecedented in history. His appeal to the dominions for equality of citizenship for Indians had met with a willing ear. It was fairly certain that it would not be long before the legislation sought would be passed. Referring: to India’s nosition in the Empire. Mr Sastri said that all doubt and hesitancy regarding the desirability of maintaining an 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 pos- ' sible the trying period of transition., and fulfil its promises of responsible government for India.