6

I take the opportunity of saying that sub-clause (c) of the second paragraph of this draft Resolution Such right shall not extend to a visit or temporary residence for labour purposes or to permanent settlement '-completely meets the position that otherwise there would be difficulties about accepting it, and I assume the Indian representatives are just as familiar with those difficulties as we are.

Upon the question of the introduction—although I have nothing to do with it as a representative here of the wives of these men who have been admitted into Canada, that is, in my opinion, not only a wise thing to do, but on the highest grounds possible-moral grounds-it seems to be a legitimate corollary to what the Canadian Dominion have done with regard to the 4,000 or 5,000 men who are there.

I want to say with regard to the Memorandum 1 which has been placed before us by the Indian representative on those several matters, that as far as I am concerned I have read the Memorandum very carefully this morning, and I shall be glad, at the proper time, to give the matters referred to the fullest consideration in our country.

Mr. MONTAGU: Mr. Long, may I just detain the Conference one minute to express, on behalf of the Government of India and my colleagues, our gratitude for the way in which this resolution has been received at this meeting of the Conference. Sir Joseph Ward has rightly said that this Resolution takes the question a good deal further. I emphasize that by way of caution, and I hope I shall not be charged with ingratitude when I say 1 See pp. 215-18 of [Cd. 9177].

that it would not be fair to the Conference to regard this Resolution as a solution of all outstanding questions. Many of them can only be cured by time. Many of them, as Mr. Burton has said, require careful study. But I feel sure that the spirit in which the Resolution has been met, and the whole attitude which the representatives of the various Dominions have taken towards it, will prove to India that as matters progress, and as time advances, there is every prospect that Indians throughout the Empire will be treated not only as human beings, but will have all the rights and privileges of British citizens.

Mr. Cook: Mr. Long, may I just say one word, lest my silence should be misunderstood. As my friends know, I attended the Committee meeting yesterday, and concurred in these proposals, and the reason I do not occupy the time of the Conference is because there is nothing specifically relating to Australia in them. That is to say, many of the things referred to in this Memorandum are concessions which have already been agreed to in Australia very many years ago, even with regard to the bringing of the wives and minor children. I do not think there is any trouble in Australia about that. Whatever the technical difficulties may be, I do not think there is any trouble occurring along those lines. At any rate, I am one of those who believe that when we admit a man to our shores we should admit his wife also and his family, and, if we are not prepared to admit his wife and family, we have no right to admit him. It seems to me that is among the elementary things. I concur entirely with the proposal in that respect, but that being the only outstanding

feature of the proposal which can in the remotest degree affect Australia, I will not take up time in discussing the matter, but agree cordially with what has been suggested and what has been done. I think we owe a great debt of gratitude to India for the attitude she has taken since this war began. That is the feeling in Australia through and through -one of the most profound and cordial appreciation of the attitude of India in regard to this war. Mr. MASSEY: It is the feeling all over the Empire. CHAIRMAN: Perhaps I may be allowed to say a word in putting the Resolution. It will only be a very brief one. Last year the Conference was specially marked by the addition to our councils of the representatives of India, and I think we all feel that that made. the Conference more complete and more real than it ever claimed to be before. This year sees another steady step forward, and I am bound to say that I think, having followed these proceedings very closely-I had the privilege to be present at the meeting which the Prime Minister of Canada was good enough to summon last year, when Sir Satyendra put the general case before us, and I think you will agree that that was a very useful meeting and started us in the direction which has been consistently followed since-I think this steady advance is due, as has been said, not only to the wise, moderate, and extremely able line taken by Sir Satyendra and his colleagues— last year it was Sir James Meston and the Maharaja of Bikanir who represented India with him, while this year it is the Maharaja of Patiala-but also to the very statesmanlike view which has been taken of their responsibilities by those who speak on behalf of the great self-governing Dominions

of the Empire. And certainly I rejoice more than I can say to see this evidence of the steady progress of the Empire along these lines which have been always followed in the past, and which, I believe, have made the Empire what it is the recognition of fundamental principles, and a steady refusal to deny to any citizen of the Empire the privileges of Empire simply because of the accident of birth or locality. I regard this as a very important decision. On behalf of the Conference, I may perhaps be allowed to offer my congratulations to those who represent India and the Dominions upon this very considerable step in the development of our Empire. May I put the Resolution?

Mr. ROWELL: May I add one word? It is simply that I desire to associate Canada and myself with the remarks which Mr. Burton made with reference to the very reasonable and statesmanlike attitude of the representatives of India in dealing with this matter. The Resolution which embodies the understanding arrived at is, perhaps, the best evidence of our appreciation.

CHAIRMAN: I ought to say that Sir Robert Borden sent me a communication yesterday, expressing a great desire that this should be taken when he was present, and we did our best so to arrange matters; but I need not point out to the Conference that, unless we are able to take the subjects as they are put down, it is almost impossible to get our business properly forward, or to complete it, within the time at our disposal.

Mr. MASSEY: I hope we shall finish this week. CHAIRMAN: That is what we are working for, of course. May I put this to the Conference?

[The Resolution was carried unanimously.]

7. Government of India Notification, July

1918

THE Government of India have had under consideration for some time past proposals for grant of commissions to Indians. Expression was given to their views by the Viceroy in his speech at the War Conference at Delhi, and these views were at once communicated to His Majesty's Government, but the latter's preoccupation with other matters has delayed their reply. This reply has now been received, and is to the effect that His Majesty the King-Emperor has decided to grant :

1. A certain number of substantive King's commissions in the Indian Army to selected Indian officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the present war.

2. A certain number of King's Commissions conferring honorary rank in the Indian Army on selected Indian officers who have rendered distinguished service not necessarily during the present war, and who, owing to age or lack of educational qualifications, are not eligible for substantive King's Commissions. Such honorary commissions will carry with them special advantages in respect of pay and pension.

3. A certain number of temporary but substantive King's commissions in the Indian army to selected candidates nominated partly from civil life and partly from the Army.

Those selected from civil life will be nominated by the Viceroy on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief and local governments and political administrations concerned. They must be