THE HINDU PROBLEM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 13, 16 January 1915, Page 6

THE HINDU PROBLEM.

REPORT OF THE OOMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY.

[Bt Electric Telegraph —CoPYBiGnr J IGNITED Pbess <A&OOIATION. *' (Itecelved*l2.3# p.m.)* *4>

Delhi, ;_l January 15,

The.report of the Committee, which! was appointed to enquire into the .cirV cutnstajnces of the voyage of the magata Maru and the subsequent riot when the natives returned to Calcutta, has' been published. They find that the immigrants proceeded to Vancouver in the belief that they would be allowed to land, though the leaders. were aware of the' law, and deliberately misled the others. The Committee was precluded from discussing the Canadian immigration Jaw!, and the action of the Vancouver authorities. , x

The) report indicates that at various stage#of the return voyage successful efforts* were made by revolutionary organisations outside India to mote disaffection among the natives, many of whom were in a dangerous state of mind when leaving Vancouver} ait it was intended to cause trouble # in India on their return. On the arrival of the ship in the Hooghli, the emigrants were directed to proceed "directf to their hbmes from Budgo, ah outlyihg station, near Calcutta, but the Indians refused. A force of military police induced fliem to retisrn. While train arrangements were being made, the emigrants without cause fired on the police escort. The report shows they had a number of weapons concealed ready for immediate use. The troop then firi ed, killing numbers and dispersing the; rest, "all of .whom were subsequently arrested. The Committee commends the action of the officers, and 'says' the Bengal-Government was justified in prohibiting the men from entering Calcutta.

The Indian Government expresses satisfaction with the Committee's port, and regrets its motives, were understood and that there was unfortunate lqss o? life. It is not intended to prosecute the men who were released, save-the ringleader, who is detained ,at present.