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SIR,

23

Enclosure in No. 19.

Ceylon Reform League, Colombo, 29th August, 1918. We have the honour to forward herewith copy of a telegram despatched by the Ceylon Reform League and the Ceylon National Association to you on the 28th instant.

We remain, &c.,

W. A. DE SILVA,

D. R. WUEWARDENE,

Honorary Secretary, Ceylon Reform

League.

Honorary Secretary, Ceylon National

Association.

51507

29

No. 21.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR,

(No. 535.)

SIR,

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Stubbs's despatch No. 449,

Downing Street, 8th November, 1918. of the 10th September, transmitting a letter addressed to me by the Honorary Secretaries of the Ceylon National Association and the Ceylon Reform League with regard to certain changes which they desire should be made in the Constitution of Ceylon, and to refer you to my despatch No. 457, of the 3rd October,† on the subject.

The Right Honourable

Walter H. Long, M.P.,

Secretary of State for the Colonies,

London.

I have, &c..

WALTER H. LONG.

SECRETARY State, ColonieS,

LONDON,

28TH AUGUST, 1918. Our cable 6th instant. We beg invite attention House of Commons debate Indian reforms and principle of self-government accepted for India. We request application same principle to Ceylon and grant reforms not less liberal than granted to India, to which Ceylon is akin in race and culture, but conditions more favourable for political development. We beg early declaration of policy and broad outlines of reform with instructions to new Governor to adjust details We specially ask enlarged Legislative Council on wide franchise with substantial elected majority Ceylonese members Executive Council, Ceylonese Ministers in charge of departments, substantial percentage superior posts for Ceylonese, com- plete popular control municipal councils and other local bodies, urban and rural. with elected chairmen, all which have been conceded to India.

61003

No. 20.

HOUSE OF Commons.

30th October, 1918.

MR. MORRELL asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a cable gram has been received from the Ceylon Reform League and the Ceylon National Association informing the Government of the disappointment caused in Ceylon by the announcement of the Government that the time was inopportune for the discussion of reforms in Ceylon; whether there are any, and, if so, what reasons why the same consideration should not be given to the demands of the people of Ceylon for responsible government as the Government is now giving to similar demands from the neighbouring people of India; whether any, and, if so, what reply has been given to the Reform League and National Association; and whether he will call for and publish a Report of the Governor of Ceylon upon the steps necessary for introducing into Ceylon a measure of responsible government similar to that proposed by the Secretary of State for India?

MR. HEWING (Under Secretary of State for the Colonies), in reply, said: Telegrams have been received from the Ceylon Reform League and National Asso ciation. I have asked the Governor to inform these and other bodies in Ceylon who have approached me that I will carefully consider their views, but that I am not prepared to form any definite conclusions until the time is more opportune for examining all the proposals which have been submitted. I have no doubt I shall be furnished with the Governor's views in due course.

MR. MORRELL: Can the right honourable gentleman say when he is likely to have the Governor's report?

MR. HEWING: I do not know.

55317

No. 22.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

20th November, 1918.

MR. RAMSAY MACDONALD asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to initiate a measure of reform in the government of Ceylon on similar lines to the measure proposed for India; and, if not, will he state the reason why, in view of the fact that the people of Ceylon are equally capable of self-government, and the absence of any contemporaneous reform will make a con- trast between India and Ceylon!

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (MR. HEWINS), in reply, said: I have received representations from several sections of opinion in Ceylon in favour of proposals, differing widely in details, for the alteration of the Con- stitution. I would invite reference to the replies made to questions addressed to me by the honourable member for Burnley on the 24th July and 30th October.‡ 'As the Governor has only just taken up his duties it is impossible to give a final decision on these questions pending the report which I have invited him to send me. MR. KING: Will the Colonial Office recognize the people of Ceylon as a small nationality!

62100

No. 23.

THE PRESIDENT, CEYLON NATIONAL CONFERENCE, to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

(Received 12.0 a.m., 23rd December, 1918.) TELEGRAM.

[See No. 24 and No. 25.]

CEYLON National Conference, held Colombo 13th-14th December, passed enthusiastic resolution tendering loyal homage to His Majesty and joyful con- gratulations at success of British Allied arms; other resolutions passed asserting Crown Colony Administration unsuited to Ceylon's conditions, inconsistent with British ideals, and demanding constitutional reforms, vigorous development of self-governing institutions with view to realization of responsible Government under segis British Throne. Steps taken for appointment of delegates to England.- ARUNACHALAM, President, Ceylon National Conference.

* No. 19.

+ No. 17.

Nos. 14 and 20.

C

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