§ 5. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for India whether General Dyer resigned his command in India voluntarily; if not, who asked him to resign; and was any reason given?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The Commander-in-Chief informed General Dyer that he accepted the conclusions of the Hunter Commission in regard to the occurrences at Amritsar, and directed him to resign his appointment as brigade commander.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWas General Dyer supplied with legal assistance at this inquiry?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think so.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs that accepted by the India Office as a fair trial for this distinguished General?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must know it is not a question of a trial. The Commander-in-Chief in India has a perfect right to dispense with the services of any officer.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not in accordance with the rules of any military court that General Dyer should have no legal assistance, and that he should not be able to cross-examine witnesses?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI quite agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but the Hunter Commission was not a military court, and cannot be regarded as a substitute for a military court.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not the case, as was stated yesterday, that the Army Council has had the case of General Dyer before it, and has given time to General Dyer to submit a further statement of his case before they come to judgment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, that was the policy announced yesterday by the Secretary of State for War.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not proper—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are going to discuss the matter to-morrow.