HC Deb 16 September 1915 vol 74 cc161-3
48. Mr. MacCAW

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has seen copies of letters, dated 17th February, 1915, and 24th June, 1915, from the Bengal Chamber of Commerce to the Government of Bengal, and the replies of the Government of Bengal, dated 22nd April, 1915, and 22nd July, 1915, regarding the present and future position of German and Austrian firms trading in India; and whether he is in a position to give any further information on this subject?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have seen the letters referred to. I am not at present in a position to give any further information on the subject, but am expecting to receive shortly a communication regarding it from the Government of India.

49. Mr. MacCAW

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has seen copies of the two letters, dated 12th June, 1915, and 2nd August, 1915, from the European Association, Calcutta, to the Government of India, calling attention to the strong public feeling that exists in India in favour of taking drastic steps for the immediate internment of all German aud Austrian aliens who are now residing at large in that country; and what action he proposse to take in the matter?

50. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further information he can give the House regarding the measures taken by the Governor General in Council to intern and deport alien enemies in India?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Government of India have already announced their decision to adopt a general policy of repatriating all German and Austrian women and children and men of non-military age, and arrangements to this end are now being made. Germans and Austrians of military age were removed to a prisoners-of-war camp at the beginning of the War, and remain interned. I consider that the requirements of the situation have been adequately met.

Sir J. D. REES

Does that reply apply to missionaries?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It applies to all aliens. I will not say that there may not be there, as here, possible exceptions to the general rule, but the general rule applies to missionaries if they be of alien nationality as much as to any other aliens.