HC Deb 01 July 1915 vol 72 c1939
64. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to compel every European in India to join the forces hitherto known as volunteers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No such steps have been taken, nor would they be suitable in the special circumstances of India; but there has been a satisfactory increase in the numbers of the volunteers since the War began.

Sir J. D. REES

Is any such step under the consideration of the Government of India?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. I said, in answer to my hon. Friend, that no such step would be suitable in the special circumstances of India. A very large proportion of the male population of British birth in India are already occupied in positions in the Government service from which they could not be spared.