§ Mr. MACKARNESSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that nearly 10 months have elapsed since nine British subjects 1074 were deported from their homes and imprisoned in distant gaols without warning, charge, or trial of any sort, and in view of the public assurances on the part of the Government of India as to the loyalty of the leaders and the masses of the India people, he could now give some information to the House as to the grounds on which the Secretary of State thinks it necessary to prolong the imprisonment of these British subjects?
The MASTER of ELIBANKI am afraid that I have nothing to add to the numerous statements that have been made on this subject.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSMay I ask whether there is under the existing administration anything that can be done by these men who have been deported or by their friends to enable them to obtain their liberty?
The MASTER of ELIBANKAs the Prime Minister and Secretary of State have intimated, that is a matter that rests entirely on the responsibility of the Government here and the Government of India. I have not the power to add to any statement which has been made of the settled policy of the Cabinet.
§ Mr. LUPTONMay I ask whether the Government of India are preparing the people to receive with acclamation the government of the Russian autocracy?