Sir J. D. REES(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the riots reported in this morning's Press to have taken place at Delhi?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Secretary of State received the following telegram from the Viceroy dated the 31st March:
Some rioting has occurred at Delhi on Sunday, 30th March. Many shops closed in sympathy with passive resistance movement against the Rowlatt Bills and some of mob entered railway station with object of compelling sweatmeat sellers to stop business. Station staff failed to eject mob. Police were called for and arrested one man, who was forcibly rescued outside station. Mob stoned police and military had to be sent for. Owing to threatening attitude of mob military were compelled to fire in Queen's 1864 Gardens and again, somewhat later on in the day, near Clock Tower in Chandni Chowk. Total casualties, as far as can be ascertained, five or possibly six killed and sixteen others wounded and now in hospital All quiet Monday morning, though large crowds remained in streets. Most of shops, except those in Chandni Chowk and large bazaars, have reopened. Military remain on duty in city.No further details have yet been received at the India Office. The Viceroy reported a few days rater that there had been no trouble elsewhere.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSCan the right hon. Gentleman say when that telegram was received?
§ Mr. FISHERNo.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIt has been here some days, has it not?
§ Mr. FISHERI am not aware of that.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSBut he has just said that "a few days later" no further information had been received. Why has it been kept secret?
§ Mr. FISHERNo questions with respect to any riots have been addresed to me.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, we knew nothing of them.