VISCOUNT BARINGasked the Secretary of State for India, with reference to his answer in the House of Commons on 1lth August last, Whether he has been placed in possession of the views of the Government of India in regard to certain allegations made last year in the "Statesman" Magazine derogatory to the character of Sir Richard Meade, late Resident at Hyderabad; and, if so, what action he has taken in the matter?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONA Report on this matter was received from the Government of India in October last, to the effect that, in their opinion, it was conclusively proved, by papers in their possession, that in the transactions called in question in The Statesman articles, Sir Richard Meade had acted under the orders, and in entire accordance with the wishes of the Government of India, and that, throughout a long and difficult period, that officer had been animated with a single desire to discharge his duty zealously and faithfully. The Government of India stated that Sir Richard Meade's career in India had been that of a zealous and upright public servant; that they retained an entire and unshaken confidence in his integrity and honour; and that they considered the imputations of corrupt conduct brought against him in the articles in question to be without foundation. I desire to add that Sir Richard Meade was personally anxious that legal proceedings should be instituted in order to give him the opportunity of denying, on oath in the witness-box, the charges 1373 made against him, and the Government of India supported this wish. I, however, considered that this course would be attended with no advantage, unless I was prepared to produce in Court the confidential papers connected with the transactions called in question; and, as I have stated on former occasions, I do not think that this would, at the present time, be for the benefit of the public service. I also considered that this course was wholly unnecessary for the vindication of Sir Richard Meade's character; and I caused an intimation to that effect to be sent to that officer, with an expression of my entire concurrence in the opinion recorded by the Government of India as to his public services and personal integrity. I have reason to believe that Sir Richard Meade is quite satisfied with the action thus taken; but I am glad to have the opportunity of making this statement.
§ MR. ONSLOWasked the noble Lord whether the Government of India could not publish their Report in The Calcutta Gazette, in order that the public of India might see that the Government had gone into the matter, and the conclusion at which they had arrived?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTLNGTONNo, Sir; that course would be inconvenient, as the Report that was sent home contained confidential papers which it is not desirable to publish.