§ 63. Commander WEDGWOODasked whether and, if so, what offers of assistance to the Mother Country have been made by the Indian Government during the War?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe assistance which India has given to the Empire in the War was described by the Viceroy in his speech of 5th September last when he met his Legislative Council for the first time. I am sending a copy of the speech to the hon. and gallant Member. I believe that a detailed statement on the subject will be made available for the Mesopotamia Commission.
§ Commander WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that a great part of that speech deals with the assistance offered by the princes and peoples of India and not by the Government?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, it was a comprehensive survey, which attempted in broad outline, and even in some detail, to deal with the assistance rendered from Indian sources of all kinds. I hope that when he gives evidence before the Mesopotamia Commission he will be able to make a comprehensive statement of the military assistance given by the Government of India.
§ Sir J JARDINEDoes that speech make allusion to the general efforts made on all the Indian railways and in the locomotive works to provide munitions of war?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, there is an allusion to that subject which I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will not overlook.