INDIA TO-DAY.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIII, 16 May 1922, Page 1

INDIA TO-DAY.

INDIA’S AMBITION. DELEGATION TO DOMINIONS. I'ress Assn.—By Tel, —Copyright. DELHI, May 13. On the eve of departure to the Dominions to plead for an equality status for Indians settled there, the Rt. Hon. V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, P.C., 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, wherein the latter, after referring to the Imperial Conference’s resolution on equality and Mr Sastri’s part in its passage, pointed out that no better person could be selected to treat with tu« Dominions and persuade their legislatures to enact necessary laws. He had the fullest support of the Government of India behind him. The Viceroy appreciated the cordiality of the Dominion Prime Ministers’ invitation and hoped substantial results would follow Mr Sastri’s visit. At least Mr Sastri could lay the foundation of ultimate success, MR SASTRI’S VIEWS. Mr Sastri, 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 in the rise of status of India! that she was now asked to treat directly through her representatives with the Dominions’ Governments, as equal to equal. The Dominions’ Premiers doubtless sympathised with the demands of Indians. They shdwed readiness to understand the Indian case, 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 and ln that case he feared disastrous consequences would follow, and the success of his mission would bo jeopardised.

He believed the British Commonwealth unique amongst the political institutions of 'the world for the opportunity it gave of the solution of the great problem of the colour conflict, and class between East and West. Other political organisations had not 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 purpbse and the fullest recognition oi equality and brotherhood.

CONFIDENCE IN BRITAIN WRECKED. 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 history of India as the complete wreck of confidence in the Government. Thus it was the duty of every Administration to rebuild by 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 public servants or embitter any section of the people, be 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 privileges or interests, but the maintenance of India within the British Commonwealth. Duly in that way could they do their d’Hy by India and England, and the higher duty to humanity, and civilisation at large.