§ 2. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether the recent statements of Sir Satyendra Sinha and the Maharaja of Patiala, published in the Press on the subject of the proposed Indian reforms, were made with his knowledge and approval; if so, whether statements of opinion and criticism, either for or against the proposed reforms, from other Indians will be equally permitted to appear, whether written in this country or in India; and whether cables to and from India relating to the proposed reforms are permitted to be published without alteration or delay other than telegraphic?
§ Mr. MONTAGUHis Highness the Maharaja of Patiala and Sir Satyendra Sinha, who are my colleagues on the Imperial War Conference and Cabinet, have the same freedom to express their opinions as any other members of these two bodies. They informed me that they proposed to make a statement to the Press, but no question of my approval could possibly arise in such a case. As regards the rest of the question, the Government is anxious that statements of opinion and criticism, whatever they may be, shall be fully available to the public, subject to the ordinary rules of censorship.