Indians in East Africa
SIR,—The Royal Commission on East Africa is expected to start its work, I understand. early in February. As there is still time for completing the list of members, may I venture to suggest that an Indian representative should be included in the Commission ?
I hate to think in terms of racial differences, but it is no use shutting one's eyes to the fact that the situation which has arisen in Kenya could be directly attributed to the many social and political disabilities of Negroes and Asians imposed on them by the Europeans; this is not to say though that the economic causes are less important. If we agree that the problem is essentially a racio-political one, it follows that any Royal Commission going to East Africa should have its members drawn from the main races living in the country.
The white population there is hardly more than 53,000, and yet the whole Commission, except for one Kikuyu member, is composed of European men and women. The Indians who form by far the largest
group of immigrant communities (there are about 280,000 Asians of whom 200,000 are Indians and persons of Indian origin) have been
• playing a vital role for the last forty years and more in the economic and political development of the country. As doctors, teachers, lawyers, farmers, editors, business-men and skilled workers, their contribution to the advancement of the country cannot be ignored. And yet they are not considered to be entitled for a seat on the Commission.
It is true that in pre-independence days, before 1947, Indians used to join hands with Europeans, as, for instance, in the case of resisting the internal free trade in cotton which was recommended by the Uganda Development Commission. Since then, however, the moral leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the realistic advice of Pandit Nehru have made them realise their responsibilities to the Africans. Much of the credit for this changed attitude and liberal approach towards the Africans must go to the courageous lead given by Shri Appa Pant, India's High Commissioner in East Africa. He never allows an opportunity to pass for telling them that they are there to develop the resources and share the prosperity of the country with the sons of the soil.
In this connection Mr. Nehru's words, spoken at the reception.for the East African leader, Mr. Peter Kilinage, are worth quoting. He
said, " The Government of India did not want Indians in Africa to exploit the African people or have privileges which would interfere with their progress. This was based to some extent on motives of idealism, but, from practical considerations as well, it was necessary for India and Africa to understand and help each other."
This being the guiding policy of the Indian community, their representatives on the Commission should prove of great moral and material value, not only as honest brokers between the Africans and the Whites, but also a liberal influence in making the European settlers look at the problem as partners in the great enterprise rather than
dominating exploiters.—Yours faithfully, D. V. TAHMANKAR, London Editor of Kesari & Mahratta, Poona. Peek's Chambers, 177 Fleet Street, E.C.4.
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