STATUS OF INDIANS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 14, 11 October 1921, Page 5

STATUS OF INDIANS

VIEWS ADVANCED AT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE CLAIM TO FULL RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Delhi, October 9. Tho Government has issued a memorandum detailing tho views advanced by India’s representatives at the Imperial Conference. These are:— 1. Each community of tho British Commonwealth should enjoy complete control of tho composition of its own population by means of restriction of immigration from any other community. 2. Facilities should bo given for visits and temporary residence except for labour purposes. 3. Indians already domiciled in other British countries should bo allowed to bring their wives and children, provided that not more than one wife and her children aro admitted. 4. The disabilities to which Indians resident in other countries are subjected should be removed. The fourth point is the most important from the Indian standpoint. Tho memorandum gratefully acknowledges tho good will of Australia and Canada in carrying out the second and third of these requirements. It points nut that in New Zealand and Newfoundland, Indians are subjected to no disabilities, but expresses regret that New Zealand fins passed an Immigration Act. It bitterly condemns tho hostility .of Borne other Dominions, as threatening the solidarity of the Empire, and suggests tho removal of all irksome restrictions, the free intercourse of various 'bodies, tho free admission of Indian students to all Dominion universities, nnd visits of Dominion representatives during the sessions of tho Indian Logis•ntures. Finally the memorandum suggests that the Imperial Cabinet, should recognise India's claim to the full rights of citizenship by merging Indians in the general body of citizens in whatever part of the Empire they are lawfully domiciled. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.