§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he could make any statement as to offers of help made in India in connection with the War?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Charles Roberts)In answer to the question I ask the House to allow me to read a telegram of very considerable length from the Viceroy to the Secretary of State, which really partakes rather of the nature of a statement than strictly an answer to a question, but in view of the importance of the matter. I hope the House will allow me to read it.
The Secretary of State for India has received the following telegram from the Viceroy, dated 8th September, 1914;—
Following is a summary of offers of service, money, etc., made in India to the Viceroy. The Rulers of the Native States in India, who number nearly seven hundred in all, have with one accord rallied to the defence of the Empire and offered their personal services and the resources of their States for the War. From among the many Princes and Nobles who have volunteered for active service, the Viceroy has selected the Chiefs of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Rutlam, Sachin, Patiala, Sir Pertab Singh, Regent of Jodhpur, the Heir Apparent of Bhopal and a brother of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, together with other cadets of noble families. The veteran Sir Pertab would not be denied his right to serve the King-Emperor in spite of his seventy years, and his nephew, the Maharaja, who is but sixteen years old, goes with him.
All these have, with the Commander-in-Chief's approval, already joined the Expeditionary Forces. The Maharaja of Gwalior and the Chiefs of Jaora and Dholpur, together with the Heir Apparent of Palanpur were, to their great regret, prevented from leaving their States. Twenty-seven of the larger States in India maintain Imperial Service Troops, and the services of every 575 corps were immediately placed at the disposal of the Government of India on the outbreak of war. The Viceroy has accepted from twelve States contingents of Cavalry, Infantry, Sappers, and Transport, besides a Camel Corps from Bikaner, and most of them have already embarked. As particular instances of generosity and eager loyalty of the Chiefs the following may be quoted: Various Durbars have combined together to provide a hospital ship, to be called "The Loyalty," for the use of the Expeditionary Forces. The Maharaja of Mysore has placed Rs.50 lakhs at the disposal of the Government of India for expenditure in connection with the Expeditionary Force.
The Chief of Gwalior, in addition to sharing in the expenses of the hospital ship, the idea of which was originated with himself and the Begum of Bhopal, has offered to place large sums of money at the disposal of the Government of India and to provide thousands of horses as remounts. From Loharu in the Punjab and Las Bela and Kalat in Baluchistan come offers of camels with drivers, to be supplied and maintained by the Chiefs and Sardars. Several chiefs have offered to raise additional troops for military service should they be required, and donations to the Indian Relief Fund have poured in from all States. The Maharaja of Rewa has offered his troops, his treasury, and even his private jewellery for the service of the King-Emperor. In addition to contributions to the Indian Fund some Chiefs, namely those of Kashmir, Bundi, Orchha and Gwalior and Indore have also given large sums to the Prince of Wales' Fund.
The Maharja of Kashmir, not content with subscribing himself to the Indian Fund, presided at a meeting of 20,000 people held recently at Srinagar and delivered a stirring speech, in response to which large subscriptions were collected.
Maharaja Holkar offers, free of charge, all horses in his State Army which may be suitable for Government purposes. Horses also offered by Nizam's Government, by Jamnagar and other Bombay States. Every Chief in the Bombay 576 Presidency has placed the resources of his State at the disposal of Government, and all have made contributions to the Relief Fund.
Loyal messages and offers also received from Mehtar of Chitral and tribes of Khyber Agency as well as Khyber Rifles.
Letters have been received from the most remote States in India, all marked by deep sincerity of desire to render some assistance, however humble, to the British Government in its hour of need.
Last, but not least, from beyond the borders of India have been received generous offers of assistance from the Nepal Durbar; the military resources of the State have been placed at the disposal of the British Government, and the Prime Minister has offered a sum of Rs. 3 lakhs to the Viceroy for the purchase of machine guns or field equipment for British Gurkha Regiments proceeding over seas, in addition to large donations from his private purse to the Prince of Wales' Fund and the Imperial Indian Relief Fund.
To the 4th Gurkha Rifles, of which the Prime Minister is honorary Colonel, the Prime Minister has offered Rs.30,000 for the purchase of machine guns in the event of their going on service. The Dalai Lama of Tibet has offered 1,000 Tibetan troops for service under the British Government. His Holiness also states that Lamas innumerable throughout length and breadth of Tibet are offering prayers for success of British Army and for happiness of souls of all victims of war.
The same spirit has prevailed throughout British India. Hundreds of telegrams and letters received by Viceroy expressing loyalty and desire to serve Government either in the field or by co-operation in India. Many hundreds also received by local administrations. They come from communities and associations, religious, political and social, of all classes and creeds, also from individuals offering their resources or asking for opportunity to prove loyalty by personal service. Following may be mentioned as typical examples:—
The All-India Moslem League, the Bengal Presidency Moslem League, the 577 Moslem Association of Rangoon, the Trustees of the Aligarh College, the Rehar Provincial Moslem League, the Central National Mahomedan Association of Calcutta, the Khoja Community and other followers of Aga Khan, the Punjab Moslem League, Mahomedans of Eastern Bengal, Citizens of Calcutta, Madras, Rangoon., and many other cities, Bohar Landholders' Association, Madras Provincial Congress, Taluqdars of Oudh, Punjab Chiefs' Association, United Provinces Provincial Congress, Hindus of the Punjab Chief Khalsa Diwan representing orthodox Sikhs, Bohra Community of Bombay, Parsee Community of Bombay.
Delhi Medical Association offer field hospital that was sent to Turkey during Balkan War; Bengalee students offer enthusiastic services for an ambulance corps. and there were many other offers of medical aid; Zemindars of Madras have offered 500 horses, and among other practical steps taken to assist Government may be noted the holding of meetings to allay panic, keep down prices and maintain public confidence and credit. Generous contributions have poured in from all quarters to Imperial Indian Relief Fund.
In addition I ought to mention that similar offers have reached the Secretary of State from Chiefs who happen to be at present in Europe. The Gaekwar of Baroda and the Maharaja of Bharatpur, to mention two only, have placed the whole resources of their States at the disposal of His Majesty's Government. The Indian community in England, including the Indian students, have made loyal offers of services. I feel confident that the House and the country will feel deep appreciation of this magnificient demonstration of the loyalty with which the Princes and Peoples of India have identified themselves with the cause of the Empire.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn view of the very great importance of this message, may I ask the Prime Minister—although I feel Sure he has done it—whether the Government are taking every possible step to have the message circulated throughout the whole Empire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes; that is being done.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNESend a copy to the Kaiser.