HC Deb 06 May 1918 vol 105 cc1839-41
15. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked if the whole of the missionaries of German nationality have been removed from India; if some missionaries now described as Swiss are of doubtful advantage in India; and why these persons should be allowed to move about the country?

Mr. FISHER

Early in 1916 the Government of India, in accordance with a policy then decided on, repatriated the great body of missionaries of enemy nationality. Exceptions were allowed only in cases where, by reason of age, sex, prolonged residence out of Europe or other similar circumstances, removal from India was unnecessary and would have been a hardship.

Missionaries of Swiss nationality in India, so long as their conduct is irreproachable, enjoy the same freedom of movement as other neutrals. The authorities have full powers. extending to removal from India, to deal with any foreigner who wrongly describes his nationality or is found to work adversely against British interests.

Sir A. FELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a band of German spying missionaries roaming about in India since the autumn of last year?

Mr. FISHER

I am not aware of it.

Mr. GEORGE FABER

The right hon. Gentleman was good enough to say that where age or sex are concerned it is not necessary to interfere with Germans in India. Does that exception apply where the German nation is concerned?

Sir R. COOPER

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that adequate steps are taken to make sure that people who call themselves of Swiss nationality really are Swiss and not German, who, for the moment, claim to be of Swiss nationality?

Mr. FISHER

Yes, Sir.

Sir J. D. REES

Are not German-Swiss as bad as Germans?

16. Sir A. FELL

asked if it is certain that all German elements and influence have been eliminated from India; if some of the factories previously known as German are now running as Swiss factories; and if it is certain that there is no German capital or influence behind them?

Mr. FISHER

There is no reason to think that the measures taken by the Government of India to eliminate German interests and influence from India have been ineffective.

There are certain factories in Southern India connected with a well-known mission under German influence in which Swiss agency is employed, but steps have been taken to secure the elimination from these concerns of German capital and influence.

Sir A. FELL

Are not some of these factories being run at a great profit, and is it certain that these factories are not being reserved for German interests in the future?

Mr. FISHER

I am not aware of the extent of the profits, but these trading concerns are being closely looked into.