The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 53
CHAPTER V. Do Minorities Need Special Laws 'l \1 HIS question has long engaged public attention. We have instances of such protective laws under the Roman Empire for the benefit of the Jews-provisionally for a few years ; and under Islamic rule from the very outset for the benefit of the non-Muslims. After the conquest of Constantinople, Muhammad II enacted special laws for the protection of Christian subjects, most of which remained in vogue until February, 1926, when the Turkish Government replaced Islamic Laws by the Swiss Civil Code, in their country. But the question of minorities was recognised as an international problem for the first time in 1814 when the Congress of Vienna established the new Government of the United Nether lands. As there existed in this country two different languages and two different religions, a document was drafted in the interest of minorities known in history as the " Eight Articles. " Article, 2, was to the effect that " there shall be no change in the articles of the Fundamental Law which assure to all religious cults equal protection and privileges, and guarantee the admissibility of all citizens, whatever be their religious creed, to public offices and dignities. ·• ( The Protection of Minorities, p. 36 ). Article 4-" All the inhab,tants of the Netherlands thus having equal claim to all commercial and other rights of which their circumstances allow without any hindrance or obstruction being imposed on any to the profits of others. " ( Ibid. p. 30 ). In as much as up to