HC Deb 22 November 1917 vol 99 c1338
23. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the evidence in the Sinhalese Report discloses many allegations of robbery by Punjabi soldiers under white commands; if he can say whether these alleged robberies have been investigated; and whether any and, if so, what amount of valuables have been restored to their owners?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)

I presume that the hon. Gentleman refers to a memorial addressed to my predecessor by a committee of Sinhalese. That memorial alleges three trifling instances of misconduct by Punjabi soldiers, but I am not aware that any of the allegations have been substantiated. If any complaints of this nature have been made for Sir John Anderson, I have no doubt that he has investigated them.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Do I understand that robbery is trifling misconduct?