A.—6

78

In Colonies, Protectorates, &c. And now after the Dominions I come to tho colonies. His Grace the Colonial Secretary has told us that, so far as British colonies and protectorates are concerned, in the West Indian Colonies British Indians are under no political or legal disability. This includes British Guiana, Trinidad, and Jamaica, where there is a considerable Indian population. In Ceylon, qualified British Indians will be eligible for the franchise in the same way as other British, subjects. In Mauritius there is no distinction between Indian and other British subjects as regards eligibility for the franchise. In East Africa there is no restriction on the number or race of the unofficial members who may be nominated on the Executive Councils of Kenya or Uganda. Existing Difficulties. Now, gentlemen, I have to say this : that 1 know some people who read what I have saiel so far may consider that I have spoken in empty platitudes, and. that in doing so I am seeking favours or honour. How far that vision is from my mind it is not necessary to state, but, if looking on the bright side of things is wrong in appreciating the facts that are already before us, then I gladly stand open to the charge and have no bones of contention to pick ; but the primary reason why 1 have, taken your time in emphasizing these, facts is in order to condense what ] have already seen—that the whole: of the British Empire is not such a eiark patch for our countrymen as serine would like to believe, and that there is much ground to improve the situation by showing our good will and co-operation. This does not mean that Ido not appreciate the difficulties where they lie —and they do lie. It is not difficult for human nature to bite or to sting, but those are qualities which do not appeal to me in such an atmosphere as this. The difficulties that exist with regard, to Inelians overseas e;xist I know —and all know —in British Columbia in Canada, in Natal in South Africa, and have reached their climax in. Kenya. In British Columbia, Mr. Mackenzie King has told us, very frankly and candidly, that it is a question of provincial franchise where the Federal Franchise Act supports it which places Indians in a position of disability. Mr. Mackenzie King has said that his action when viewed, in India would be very much a matter of the spirit of interpretation —where he is entirely right -for it is the spirit in which we take such things that the problems come before us. In British Columbia we are told that the problem is not a racial one, but an economic one, and that Mr. Mackenzie King welcomes the proposition made by Sir Tej for a committee to go to Canada to discuss this question with his Government. The responsible statesmen of Canada have been good enough to say that they welcomed Mr. Sastri, and gave him full opportunity to speak and confer with any persons he might wish to in order to meet the difficulty ; and, finally, that when the Federal law comes up for revision Canada will lake care that Parliament is informed of India's wishes. We sincerely hope that they will pay every favourable consideration to this important point regarding our people. In Natal, General Smuts has equally candidly explained that if he gave Indians the right to franchise on an equality it could not then be withheld from the Native, population of South Africa, and would, under the circumstances, flood this portion of the country and demolish flu: werrk of the white settlers of two hundred years. This is indeed a potent argument, and I appreciate the difficulties ; but the question as regards Natal —as also of other places where such disabilities exist— does not hinge on the, future migrations flooding this country, for with right understanding I believe, the Government of India's co-operation can be achieved to solve this difficulty ; but the question is with regard to Indian settlers who have lived, in Natal and. who have invested their property and have settled there for several generations. Is it likedy that, without the franchise, laws will be; passed by those who possess the franchise to oust the Indians from their rightful heritage, since they went to that country under the British flag as peaceful settlers ? General Smuts gave the assurance, in answer to my question, that Indians would have the full rights of citizenship, and the only question concerned with the difficulty was with regard to franchise. 1 hope that tin: Prime Minister of South Africa will give this question favourable consideration, not from a local but from an Imperial point of view, in order to see that no disabilities exist which would, hamper the peaceful existence of my countrymen there. It would, indeed, be a useful advance in conciliatory methods if General Smuts could see his way to asking his Parliament to welcome our committee to ger there from India in order to discuss frankly, candidly, and, if necessary, quietly, the whole problem as it affects India. Kenya. Aire! now I come to Kenya. I believe:, from what I am informed anel from what I have seen myself, that no question of Inelians overseas agitates their minels and gives them more feeding of racial discrimination and loss of self-respect than Indians in Kenya. This I believe to be mainly due to the fact that, while it has been asserted by previous Imperial Conferences that the Dominions have a right to settle their own populations, Kenya is not a self-governing Dominion, but is a colony administered by the British Government. It is to the British Government, therefore, that Indians look to see that, their position, which has already become very awkward in Kenya by the, minority erf white settlers being given a majority in votes, is not further jeopardized, and that they are not placed under disabilities by laws being passed, by the majority segregating them or eventually ousting them from positions in which they have invested money in the country which, I understand, they have helped to improve for many years back. I understand —and if I am wrong in my assumption I hope I will be corrected—-that His Grace holding the charge of the Colonial Office at present has been good enough to agree that the committee of India would be welcomed to discuss with him the whole problem, and that the entire question will be fully and sympathetically considered by the Imperial Government from the points of view put forward by the, Indian committee. May I thank His Grace and, through him, the British Government, for this assurance, and earnestly hope that the final results will be an advance on the present situation, and give cause for my countrymen to be grateful for assistance.