HC Deb 06 November 1947 vol 443 cc1977-9
12. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is satisfied that the steps taken are adequate for the safety of British nationals in India; and whether he will make a statement on the position.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. The hon. and gallant Gentleman will, I am sure, realise that primary responsibility for the safety of British subjects of European descent in India and Pakistan rests with the Governments of those Dominions. But I am glad to assure him that our High Commissioners at New Delhi and Karachi continue to give the matter their closest attention. I am glad, also, to tell him that the disturbances have not, in the main, affected those parts of the Dominions in which most of the British subjects of European descent reside, and that no attacks have been made on Europeans because they are Europeans. I regret, however, that there have been one or two casualties, both among British Officers serving in the Dominion Armies, and among civilians protecting their property and staff. I am sure the House would wish me to extend its sympathy to the friends and relatives of those who were killed. In October, officials of our High Commissions visited a number of hill stations in Northern India, where, owing to the disturbances, a number of European British subjects had been cut off. With the help of the Government of India and the High Commissioner, many of these people were safely brought to Delhi. Some of them, however, elected to remain.

Colonel Hutchison

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the facilities at the disposal of the Governments of Pakistan and Hindustan are, at any rate at this time, sufficient to provide the necessary safeguards for our nationals there? Have they asked for any help from the British Government?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We are in constant consultation with them. In many places I think that the facilities at the disposition of the Governments of the Dominions are sufficient, but elsewhere we are making arrangements, as will appear from the next Question on the Order Paper.

13. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps he is taking to ensure the safety of British subjects still remaining in Srinagar, Kashmir.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Before the present troubles began, the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Pakistan had made arrangements for British subjects of European descent to leave Kashmir, if they so desired, and he advised them that they would be wise to do so. The Supreme Commander subsequently sent some aircraft of the R.A.F. to Srinagar to bring them out, and 154 people were thus transported on 29th and 30th October. Between 150 and 200 others, however, decided to remain. They were warned again on Saturday last that, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, they would do well to come away. We are now discussing with the Government of India and with the Supreme Commander how they could best be brought away.

Sir T. Moore

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is not even a British consul at Srinagar to help and advise these unfortunate British subjects?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We have had officials of the High Commissioner constantly in Srinagar. Major Cranston has been there a number of times, and I think he is there now.

Mr. Eden

Do we understand that there are still 100 or more British subjects in Kashmir? Is that the position?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. There are between 150 and 200 who decided to remain. They are mostly people who have resided in Kashmir for many years, and who, quite naturally, did not want to leave their property, especially as they could not bring out much luggage by air. We are now trying to arrange road convoys, which can still get through, so that they may bring more of their possessions with them if they come out.