Questions

British Flags In Suva

Some Contrasts and Questions

Suva, Feb. 10.

ON January 26, the banks and ones or two other institutions in Suva were asked why they flew Union Jacks and Australian and!

New Zealand Ensigns on “Republic of India Day.” The people concerned! explained politely that the flags were being flown for “Australia) Day,” which also is January 26.

The Indian flag was hoisted ati the India Commissioner’s office and, in the evening, the Suva Town Hall was specially illuminated for the “Republic Day” cultural programme, which was attended by high Gov ernment officials.

The portrait of the Indian Pre sident was displayed along with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth. “God Save the Queen” was played at the beginning of the programme, and the entertainment ended with the singing of the Indian national anthem by more than 1,000 Indians.

The Commissioner for the Gov ernment of India in Fiji (Dr. N. V, Rajkumar) gave an eloquent address on India’s progress since the attainment of independence; and “Bande Mataram” (the song that was banned in Fiji during the war) was the accompaniment to a tableau of Mother India.

The precise status of the Indian Commissioner in Fiji is still a sub ject of some debate. The “Republic Day” demonstrations have given rise to misgivings among a section who doubt protestations of un divided allegiance to the British Crown.

On the other hand, there is no logical reason against the celebra tion of “India Day” in Fiji. Would the “old and bitter” protest if the Australians in Fiji similarly cele brated "Australia Day”? Both Aus-. tralia and India are officially mem bers of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

The answer, of course, lies in the general political background. There' is no doubt of the loyalty of Aus tralia to the Crown and the British flag. Can the same be said foi< India, nowadays?