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MR. PEREIRA: Yes.

VISCOUNT MILNER: I think those were the principal points for which you pressed

MR. PEREIRA: That is so.

VISCOUNT MILNER: We have had some correspondence with the Governor of Ceylon on the subject. He has made certain suggestions to us, and the matter appeared of sufficient importance to call for a personal discussion with the Governor, who, I hope, may be coming back to this country for this purpose at a not very distant date. Of course, I will go very carefully with him, both into the figures you have given me, and the proposals you have made before me to-day, and into the voluminous correspondence which has passed. Beyond that I do not think I need say anything to-day, except to thank you for the very full and very clear statement you have made, and for the explanations which you have been kind enough to give to me.

MR. PEREIRA: 1 am much obliged to your lordship.

The deputation then withdrew.

65487

No. 36.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.

(No. 1046.)

SIR,

Downing Street, 28th November, 1919. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 785, of the 20th October,* forwarding a communication addressed to me by the Lanka Maha- jana Sabha on the subject of constitutional reform in Ceylon..

2. I request that you will cause the senders to be informed that I have received their communication.

I have, &c..

MILNER.

72913

66487

(No. 735.)

MY LORD,

No. 35.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 15th November, 1919.)

[Answered by No. 36.]

تمر

Ceylon, 20th October, 1919.

I HAVE the honour to transmit a communication which has been addressed to you by the Lanka Mahajana Sabha relative to the question of constitutional reform in the Colony.

2. The above-mentioned society is a recently-created body, and I am doubtful as to whether it can in any way be said to be representative of the mass of the population of the island.

I have. &c.,

Enclosure in No. 35.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,

W. H. MANNING,

Praemini Villa, Maradana,

Governor, &c.

Colombo, 6th October, 1919. A PEOPLE'S Association, named "Lanka Mahajana Sabha," whose proceed- ings are to be conducted in Singhalese, and whose object is the promotion of the political, social, and economic interests of the people of Ceylon, was formed on the 20th September, 1919, with a membership of six hundred and thirty-six persons residing in various parts of the island, nearly six hundred of whom were present at the inaugural meeting referred to. Immediately after its formation the Association passed the following, among other, resolutions:-

"This meeting is of opinion that the time has arrived for the reform of the Constitution of Ceylon by the introduction of a large measure of self- government; that, having regard to her fitness and deserts, Ceylon should not be allowed to be outstripped by India in her political progress; and that the Committee be authorized to take all necessary, steps."

'That, in view of the urgency of the matter, copies of the third resolu tion be at once forwarded to His Excellency the Governor and the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies."

In accordance with the second of the above resolutions, I have the honour to make this communication to Your Lordship.

I have, &c..

S. D. DUNASEKARE,

Honorary Secretary,

"Lanka Mahajana Sabha."

No. 37.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CEYLON NATIONAL CONGRESS to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

(Dated Colombo 16th December; received 24th December, 1919.)

National

TELEGRAM.

CEYLON

Congress meeting 11th, 12th. 13th December; over 300 delegates, all races, creeds, from associations all parts of island. President, Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam. Delegates included ladies and repre- sentatives of Indian commercial labour associations. Resolutions on constitutional reform, local self-government, taxation, education university, food supply, labour, and South African anti-Asiatic legislation enthusiastically adopted. Chief resolu- tion, constitutional reform, mover Honourable Ramanathan, C.M.G., unofficial leader Legislative Council. Chief reform demands firstly, enlarged Legislative Council, about fifty members, four-fifths elected territorially, wide male franchise, restricted female franchise, remaining one-fifth officials and unofficials representing important minorities; secondly, elected Speaker, Legislative Council; thirdly, continuance full control Budget. no diarchy; fourthly, Executive Council at least half Ceylonese, chosen from elected members Legislative Council; fifthly, Governor should possess English Parliamentary experience; sixthly, complete popular control local self-government.-Sir P. ARUNACHALAM, President, Ceylon National Congress.

73369

(No. 842.)

MY LORD,

No. 38.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 29th December, 1919.) [Answered by No. 39.]

Ceylon, 3rd December, 1919.

I HAVE the honour to transmit a letter, dated 18th November, 1919, which has been addressed to you by the Secretary of the European Association of Ceylon in connexion with the question of constitutional reform in this Colony.

* No. 85.

I have, &c.,

W. H. MANNING.

Governor, &c.

דדון!

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :--

C.O. 882/10

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