§ 4. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the 1077 response made by British subjects in India, other than European-British subjects, to the invitation given to them by the Government of India voluntarily to enlist in the Indian Defence Force?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe latest information I have is in a telegram from the Government of India dated 15th June, which stated that up to that date 1,137 Indians had applied for enrolment in the Indian Defence Force, and that orders had been issued for the formation of one Indian company of the force at Madras.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any explanation has been afforded of such a pitifully inadequate response to this invitation?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend may not have seen the Resolution of the Government of India on the subject, which has been published, and which I think would provide the information desired.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the applicants for enrolment have been actually enrolled?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have stated that orders have been issued for the formation of one Indian company of the force of Madras.
§ Colonel YATEThat is 250 men.