[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, —Mr. Percy C. Green,
of the Kenya Democratic League, makes the statement that the natives are more opposed to the Indian immigrants than the Europeans are. At a meeting in Nairobi, at which nearly 2,000 natives were present to welcome Mr. C. F. Andrews, not very long ago, an address was pre- sented to him containing the following words : " The Indians and the missionaries are our best friends." At a meeting of the Native Council of Uganda, called the Lukiko, the Prime Minister presented on behalf of all the councillors a signed document to Mr. Andrews in which these words occurred : " We desire more Indians to come out to us because they do us good." Such testimony as this is far more credible than that which is obtained under pressure from subservient native chiefs.
Mr. Green states that the Indians put obstacles in the way of the native's advancement. In answer to that charge a sentence may be quoted from Europeans in Kenya who are bitterly hostile to Indians and, therefore, would be highly unlikely to testify in their favour if it could be avoided. It _comes from the " European and African Trades Organiza- tion," whose avowed aim is to drive the Indian out of the country. It runs as follows " It has been stated that the Indian Email ' will not train Africans, but this statement is not borne out in so far as railway workshops are concerned ; Where anyone who will take the trouble can see for himself a large number of Indian artisans day by day engaged in this very work." If Mr. Percy C. Green is a true democrat, as he professes to be, he will at once protest against the attempt which is now being made by a body of 9,600 Europeans to gain complete legislative and administrative power over 21 millions of natives —a power which represents a tiny oligarchy of the very worst kind.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Ron. Secretary, Indians Overseas Association.
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