COLOUR LINE WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1926, 8 December 1913, Page 7

COLOUR LINE WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

INDIAM PROBLEM IN SOUTH AFRICA A GRAVE WARNING, By Tsloerapli—Press AEddciatioa-CopiTieht "Times"—Sydney "Sun" Special Cables. London, December 5. Sir Joseph West Ridgway, in a letter dealing with tho Indian problem in South Airier., says they are merely pawns in tho game. Tim nbjcctivo tho Indian agitators havo in view is full citizen rights, civil and political, in every part of the Empire, wherever Indians may choose to reside; The grievances in South Africa, ho declares, aro only being used -as stepping stones towards a policy pregnant with peril to tho Empire. "Wo aro treading on ground full of pitfalls," says tho writer, "and our Government must walk with the delicacy of Agag. Any undue interference with Sc-uth Africa, any attempt to coerce her, will be resented by all the oversea Dominions. For on this question thoy stand shoulder to shoulder." London, December 7. Sir Joseph West Ridgway sharplv criticises lx>rd Harding©' (Viceroy of India), and declares that his approval of tho Indians' law-breaking' in South Africa make the Bengal agitators clap their hands and leap for joy. But when tho agitators' line bravo words aro translated into aggressive action, Lord Hardinge, says tho writer, will find that he has sown the dragon's teeth. It was essential to end the passive resistance movement in South Africa, and tho Government should appoint a Commission of Inquiry.

Mo was doubtful if any concession would satisfy tho Indian agitators, whose pretentions wero encouraged by those academic Imperialists who dream of Utopian Empire, where all citizen 3 had equal rights. If the Government wore to attempt to force tho policy or oven to support it with argument, a break-up of tho Empire would follow. The self-governing colonies would not tolerate tho entry of coloured' people in any numbers..