HC Deb 18 June 1912 vol 39 c1466
7. Sir J. D. REES

asked what circumstances connected with the recently disestablished province of Eastern Bengal and Assam justify the attribution to it of the name and character of a Mahomedan State?

Mr. MONTAGU

I expressly repudiated the attributive of such a name and character to the province. My point was that some of the criticism directed against our policy assumes that the partition deliberately created a Mahomedan province which we had now destroyed.

Sir J. D. REES

"State" was the word. The Under-Secretary himself used the expression. May I ask him if he repudiates it?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not attach any importance to the distinction between "State" and "province." I was answering the criticism directed by hon. Members opposite to the province of Eastern Bengal as being set up in order to manufacture a Mahomedan State.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest there is any resemblance between a "State" and a "province"?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have given my answer to the hon. Gentleman, and my position in the matter is quite clear.