CO129-433 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [5-6] — Page 661

CANADA INDIA COMMITTEE.

A few

individuals have formed the CANADA INDIA COMMITTEE for the fur- therance of two objects, which in their opin- ion are of vital importance to India, to Can- ada and to the British Empire.

OBJECTS

The Objects are:

(a) To promote a wider appreciation of

Canada's relation to India.

(b) To secure its equitable adjustment. The first is of a general educational character, designed to remove certain pre- judices on the part of the citizens of both India and Canada. The second will develop a. series of practical campaigns to remove certain injustices imposed on the people of India resident in Canada.

PRINCIPLES

The Committee's motives are based on the fundamental RIGHTS OF MAN and the principles of Christianity, professed by all the Western peoples, without regard to political, sectarian or personal aims.

The Committee:

(1) ACCEPTS, as involving a high moral obligation, the great pledge given the people of India in 1858 by Queen Victoria and sub- sequently confirmed by King Edward and King George, which proclaimed:

"We hold ourselves bound to the natives of our Indian territories by the same obligations of

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duty which bind us to all our other subjects

May the God of all power grant to us and those in authority under us strength to carry out these."

:

(2) DECLARES in consequence the necessity of Canadian laws which will pre- vent discrimination against British Indians, whilst maintaining the established economic policy of the country.

(3) INVITES the aid of all persons and organizations actuated by the above mo- tives, in securing the successful outcome of the Committee's objects.

PROCEDURE

The Committee' realises that unaided it would be powerless to create a great wave of popular protest which will induce the Government to provide simple justice' to our fellow British subjects, therefore, the Com- mittee invites the co-operation and support of all religious and missionary bodies, the 'social, fraternal and patriotic societies, and the press of Canada; in fact, the aid of any group is welcomed that will work for the CAUSE itself regardless of personal advan- tage.

The Committee suggests the utmost free- dom of action, on the part of helping or- ganizations, but begs that active work be commenced at once. It however, asks that at least one leader from each organization be identified with this Committee as a mem- ber, so as to insure the maximum of co- ordination for the movement as a whole.