§ SIR ROPER LETHBRIDGEI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the exemption of the Island of Ceylon from, military contribution, especially in regard to the provision for the military defence of Trincomalee, the headquarters of the Imperial Navy in Indian waters?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS, Liverpool, East Toxteth)Her Majesty's Government have not entertained any proposal for the exemption of Ceylon from military contribution. There is no reason why that colony should not bear its fair share of the cost of Imperial and Local defence. This decision will shortly be communicated to the colony with a full statement of 140 the grounds upon which that decision has been based.
§ SIR ROPER LETHBRIDGEMay I ask whether Her Majesty's Government have given any consideration to the fact, which is an undoubted one, that Trincomalee is the head quarters of the Imperial Navy, and that that is a matter for which the Island of Ceylon is in no way actually responsible?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSYes, Sir, the fullest consideration has been given to the question by Her Majesty's Government, but they are scarcely prepared to admit that Trincomalee is the headquarters of the Imperial Navy in Indian waters. On the contrary, I should say that Bombay probably represents the head-quarters. At all events Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered the question. I may add that the Secretary of State has received an important deputation on the subject, and after due consideration arrived at the decision which has been communicated to the Government of Ceylon.