§ 34. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary of State for India whether Mrs. 1688 Annie Besant has been prohibited from entering the Presidency of Bombay under the Defence of India Act; and, if so, will he state what reasons are given by the Government of India for taking such action against Mrs. Annie Besant?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)The Order of prohibition was made by the Government of Bombay, with the approval of the Government of India. Such a prohibition against entering a specified area is within the power of the local Government if they consider that the person is likely to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety, and, as in the case of similar Orders in this country under the Defence of the Realm Act, it is not necessary to specify reasons.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWhat reasons have the Government of India specified why this lady should not be allowed to go abroad 1
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe reply is that under the Defence of the Realm Act in this country it is not necessary to specify the reasons which the Government hold.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs it not the fact that the only reason why Mrs. Besant wanted to go to India was that she wished to advocate, constitutional methods in opposition to revolutionary methods, which have gained so much ground in India owing to the conduct of the Government of India?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir; I have never heard that before.
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat is so.