HC Deb 05 March 1912 vol 35 cc184-5
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the Royal Proclamation of 1858 Her late Majesty Queen Victoria guaranteed to the inhabitants of all those territories which had hitherto been administered by the East India Company that, so far as may be, her subjects, of whatever race or creed, should be freely and impartially admitted to offices the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, ability, and integrity duly to discharge; whether the Indian Government hold that this guarantee is compatible with a regulation absolutely excluding from the civil and police services of the territories affected all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides; and whether he will take any steps to assure the people of India, who regard this Proclamation as the charter of their rights, that its guarantees will be adhered to?

Mr. MONTAGU

So far as the territories for which I am responsible in this House are concerned, no such regulation as my hon. Friend describes, exists. As regards territory which has been transferred to the Colonial Office, the Govern- ment of India has expressed no opinion, nor has the Secretary of State received any complaints. I would suggest that my hon. Friend should address himself to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Proclamation is regarded by the people of India as a charter of their rights, and that the interpretation placed upon it by a Member of the Cabinet completely nullifies the Proclamation?

Mr. MONTAGU

If there is any discontent with the regulations affecting the welfare of the Indian people a memorial should be sent to the Government of India and the Secretary of State. No such complaint has been, received.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

If the right hon. Gentleman receives complaints from India will he remonstrate with the Colonial Office?

Mr. MONTAGU

We will always be ready to communicate with the Colonial Office concerning any complaints of substance we receive.