§ 1. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement regarding measures taken to broaden the basis of recruitment, open the ranks of the Indian Army, grant more commissions to Indian gentlemen, and provide so far as may be for using the Indian section of the Defence Force?
§ The SECRETARY Of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The main features of the present recruiting movement in India are the establishment of a Central Recruiting or Man-Power Board with corresponding boards in the several provinces, the close co-operation of the civil with the military authorities and of the landholding classes and other influential persons with both, the assistance given by ruling princes and chiefs of native States, and the tapping of new areas and of tribes and castes which have hitherto been without military traditions. Honorary commissions have been conferred in certain cases on Indian gentlemen who have taken a specially active part in recruiting. As regards the grant of Kings commissions, I can make no statement at present, but the matter is under careful and sympathetic consideration. The total number of Indians enrolled in the Defence Force up to April, 1918, was 3,528. Enrolment was originally limited to a period of six months, but by an Amendment of the Act recruiting may now be reopened from time to time in specified areas. Units have been organised at Calcutta, Madras, and Poona, and university companies at Bombay, Calcutta, and Allahabad. 1549 Colonel BURN: Is any bribe of land going to be offered to the natives of India to come forward?
§ Mr. MONTAGUArrangements are being made for the settlement of returned Indian soldiers in certain parts of the country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether commissions are not now given in the R.A.F. to Indians?
§ Mr. MONTAGUCertain King's commissions have been granted, but I do not know to what branches of His Majesty's Forces.