§ 43. Mr. MacCAWasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a letter, dated 20th March, 1916, from the European Association, Calcutta, protesting against the continued employment of Herr Buchner, a German, as bandmaster to the Viceroy of India; whether he is aware that the retention of this German as bandmaster has been the subject of repeated protests by the British community in India since the War began; whether it is intended to ignore these protests by continuing the services of Herr Buchner; or what action does he propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received the letter referred to within the last few days and have directed that an acknowledgment of its receipt shall be sent to the signatory. The selection of a bandmaster is a matter for the Viceroy alone, and I should not think of interfering in such a matter. I am, however, informed that Mr. Buchner, who, by the way, is a naturalised British subject in India, where he has resided for twenty-one years, either has retired or is on the eve of retirement.