§ 6. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering the adverse influence that may be secretly exercised by alien enemies in a country like India, he will take steps to have the same rules applied to all Germans in India as are applied to British subjects in Germany?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)The Indian authorities have lately been asked to submit a Report bearing on the more recent features of the situation. Until that is received, I do not think that I could usefully add anything to the replies given in the House on Wednesday last.
§ Colonel YATEIs the right hon. Gentleman receiving it by telegram or is it coming by post?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not quite certain, but as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the Government of India have shown themselves quite alive to the possible dangers arising from the presence of enemy aliens, and they have taken very drastic steps with regard to them. I think I should desire to await the Report of the Government of India before doing anything more.
§ Colonel YATEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great anxiety in India on this subject, and any speedy action on his part will be warmly welcomed there?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware there is some anxiety. That anxiety will come to the knowledge of the Indian Government even before it came to my knowledge.