28 APRIL 1923, Page 13

INDIAN CLAIMS IN KENYA.

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sta,—In view of the fact that delegations have been sent from both the Indians and Europeans of Kenya with regard to the former's claim to equality of status, may I be per- mitted to point out to your readers that this is a question which concerns the natives very intimately ? If the Indians are granted equality of status, it will mean equality with us in our rule of Africans. The African is strongly opposed to this, and is inclined to regard it as a breach of faith on our part.

If a settlement is come to involving Indian participation in our rule of Africans, without consulting the Tribal Councils, we shall have denied our trusteeship, weakened African trust in our word, and proclaimed ourselves followers of those who teach that might is right. We have no possible justification to settle this question without the fullest consent of those most vitally concerned.—I am, Sir, &c., C.M.S. Maseno, Kisumu, Kenya Colony. W. E. OwEx.