HC Deb 21 April 1914 vol 61 cc737-8
19. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether he has official information to the effect that the Governor-General of India said in his Budget speech that the Government of India had lent the Persian Government a considerable sum of money for the creation of a force of gendarmerie under Swedish officers?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

In his speech at the closing of the session of the Legislative Council at Delhi, the Viceroy made a statement to the effect mentioned by the hon. Member. I would refer the hon. Member to a Paper presented to Parliament in August last giving details of the advance made jointly by the British and Indian Governments for gendarmerie purposes in Fars.

Sir J. D. REES

Is it not an entirely new departure for Indian funds to be devoted to such a purpose; and is there any precedent for it?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

I will see if there is a precedent.