HC Deb 17 March 1904 vol 131 cc1399-400
CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state why Sir Ian Hamilton, late Quartermaster-General in England, has been appointed representative of the Indian Army with the Japanese Army, seeing that he is not an Indian officer; and was the Indian Council, by whom he is paid, consulted with reference to his appointment.

MR. BRODRICK

Sir Ian Hamilton, besides being an officer of great ability and distinction, has long experience in India, where he satisfactorily held several staff appointments. As he is already in Japan, his services were immediately available, and the Indian Government and the Council of India, who were consulted, agreed to the selection. Two officers of the Indian Army will join him.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Was the Indian Council consulted before he was sent? Why was not an Indian officer chosen?

MR. BRODRICK

Both the Indian Government and the Indian Council were consulted, and they agreed to the arrangement.