STATUS OF INDIANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1922, Page 5

STATUS OF INDIANS.

1 PLEA FOR EQUALITY. POSITION IN DOMINIONS. AN IMPORTANT MISSION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Delhi, May 13. On the eve of his departure to the Dominions to plead for equality of status for Indians settled there, Mr. Sastri 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 in which the latter, after referring to the resolution of the Imperial Conference on equality, and Mr. Sastri’s part in its passage, pointed out that no better person could be selected to treat with the Dominions and to persuade their legislators to enact the necessary laws. He had the fullest support of the Government of India behind him. The Viceroy appreciated the cordiality of the Dominion Premiers, and hoped substantial results would follow Mr. .•Sastri’s visit. At least Mr. Sastri could lay the foundation of ultimate success. Mr. Sastri, responding, said the Indian Government was now entirely national in spirit concerning the importance of the question of the disabilities of Indians abroad. It was also a rise in status for India that she was now asked to treat directly through her representatives with the Dominion Governments, as equal to equal. The Dominion Premiers doubtless sympathised with the demands of Indians. They showed readiness to understand the Indian cause, and if a possible to 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 the adverse decision of Mr. Lloyd George’s I Government regarding Kenya and • Uganda. In that case he feared disas- : trous consequences would follow, and the success of his mission be 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 color and the conflict and clash 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 purpose, and the fullest recognition of equality and brotherhood. 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 or 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. This it was the duty of every administrator to rebuild by a 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, he 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. Only in that way ■could they do their duty by x India and England "and their higher duty to humanity and civilisation at large.