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barred, and that the Colonial Office may be shown the way to an acceptable solution. I shall recommend those with whom I have any influence, both in India and elsewhere, to work through this committee to obtain an amelioration of such conditions as they and every Indian regard as incompatible with our national dignity and with our position as equal subjects in the Empire of our common Sovereign. No need to move Formal Resolution. May I here just also refer to the expression of opinion made by Lord Peel to-day with regard to the resolution that I intended to move on the last occasion ? I thoroughly appreciate the advice that has been given to me to-day by Lord Peel. I have noted with great pleasure the spirit of cordiality shown by my colleagues from all over the Empire, except General Smuts. I take their speeches as very encouraging, and I note that what I wanted really has been achieved —namely, that they recognize the character of the resolution of 1921, and that they have given me a hope that they would do something material to achieve the end which we have in view—namely, the accomplishment of the principle of equality. Most of them have accepted my suggestions about committees ; Mr. Bruce thinks that he can do without a committee. As I said on a former occasion, so much the more honourable and creditable to him and to his country. It is because I have this support from all the Dominion Prime Ministers excepting one that it is unnecessary for me to move my resolution formally. Thanks to Lord Peel. Lastly, will you allow me to say one word about Lord Peel. Throughout the anxious days I have had to spend upon this question within the: last two weeks 1 have received nothing but unreserved support am! encouragement from him, and 1 am sure that, when my countrymen come to know how strongly he has stood by me, they will realize that not only the Government of India and the great statesman who presides over that country have identified themselves with our national, sentiment with regard to this matter, but that the Secretary of State has also clone the same. May I thank you, sir, on behalf of myself and on behalf of those whom I represent. That is all, sir. ANNEX A. POLITICAL STATUS OF BRITISH INDIANS IN THE COLONIES, PROTECTORATES, AND MANDATED TERRITO HIES. Memorandum prepared in the Colonial Office. West Indies. In the West Indies British Indians are under no political or legal disability of any kind. They have the same franchise and the same opportunities of becoming members of elective bodies as any other British subjects. The West Indian colonies in which there is a considerable British Indian population are British Guiana, Trinidad, and Jamaica. It may be of interest to add some particulars regarding the, franchise in these colonies. In British Guiana the property qualifications for voters are somewhat complicated, and the following may serve as examples. Persons are qualified to be voters for counties if they have an annual income or salary of $480 or are tenants of a house, or house and land, of an annual rental of $192. A person is qualified as a voter for a city or town if he possesses a similar income or salary, or is a tenant to the value of $120. In either case, the payment of $20 in taxes qualifies. No person is entitled to be registered as a voter unless he can read and write some language. In Trinidad the Legislative Council is at present nominated, but the elective system will be introduced at an early date. A person desirous of being registered as a voter must be, able-to satisfy the registration officer that he or she can understand the English language when spoken, and must possess one of a number of property qualifications. An annual salary of £62 10s., or the payment of £12 10s. for rent, or the. occupation of land, or land anel house thereon, assessed to taxes at 10s. a year will qualify. In Jamaica the qualification ferr voters is the receipt of salary or wages of £50, or income of a similar amount combined with the payment of a rental of £10, or the payment of taxes of 10s. on real property, or £1 10s. on personal property. Eastern Colonies. In Ceylon, under a revised constitution about to be issued, qualified British Indians will be edi'dble for the franchise and for election to the Legislative Council in the same manner as all other British subjects. In addition, they will have the privilege of electing two Indian representatives on a communal basis. The property qualification for the franchise is reasonably low. In Mauritius there is no distinction between British Indians and other British subjects as regards eligibility for the franchise. Moderate property and educational qualifications are imposed in all cases. An Indian member is also specially nominated to the, Council of Government, to represent Indian interests. In the Straits Settlements provisions for an Indian representative;, nominated by the Governor, is made in the recently revised constitution of the Legislative, Council. With regard to the Federated Malay States, the Government of Tndia has recently suggested that Indians should have representation in the Federal Council. This question is now under discussion with the High Commissioner. Southern Pacific. In Fiji the question of the political representation of Indians is still under consideration.

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