§ 86. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the members of the Caliphate or Islamic delegation now visiting this country have been officially received by representatives of the Indian Government in England; whether such reception constitutes an act of official approval of the constitution of this delegation: and whether the Government of India would have been acting within its powers had it pointed but to the heads of the Mahomedan faith in India and in this country the sinister results liable to accrue from the inclusion of a revolutionary as the leader of this delegation, whereby his political activities are given a religious cloak?
§ Mr. FISHERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, in the negative. With regard to the third part, it is, of course, within the power of the Government of India to point out anything they please.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that the head of this deputation was interned during the War for pro-German activities in India, and afterwards offered release from internment if he would take the oath of loyalty to the King Emperor, which he refused to do?
§ Mr. FISHERI believe that is, roughly speaking, a fact.