§ 2. Major. McMICKINGasked the Secretary of State for India if he is now in a 934 position to say whether Papers relating to the Karachi troop-train incident will be laid?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have carefully considered the matter, and have come to the conclusion that the case is not one of such public interest or importance as to justify the presentation of Papers.
§ Major McMICKINGWill not the censure of this gallant officer continue to be based on confidential information and ex parte statements which have not been communicated to him?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat is not my fault. A new inquiry was offered on very favourable conditions. A free passage to India would have been provided, a special daily detention allowance would have been granted, and legal expenses within a reasonable amount defrayed. The offer gave him an opportunity of clearing himself. He did not accept it, and I see no necessity for laying the correspondence.
§ Major McMICKINGWould not this officer have had to proceed to India, with this censure upon him?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe new inquiry was offered him in order to clear him from the censure, and that was the offer which he rejected.
§ Major Sir B. FALLEIs that offer still open?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt was eighteen months ago.