HC Deb 17 November 1920 vol 134 cc1862-4
17. Mr. BENNETT

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has received a despatch from the Government of India reviewing the position of Indians in British Colonies and Protectorates and making suggestions thereon; and if he will be able at an early date to place before the House the substance of the recommendations contained in the despatch?

Mr. MONTAGU

I am in constant communication with the Government of India on these subjects, but have not received from them recently any general recommendations, though general considerations, of course, arise in the discussion of the position in particular colonies.

18. Mr. BENNETT

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Sir Benjamin Robertson has recently visited the Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate in order to inquire into the position of Indians in those territories; whether any Report of the result of his inquiries has reached the Government of India; and if he is yet in possession of the view of that Government thereon?

Mr. MONTAGU

Yes, Sir. The questions discussed are receiving the urgent attention of my noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies and myself.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Does my right hon. Friend agree that self-determination is to be permitted to the Colonies in this matter?

Mr. MONTAGU

I understand that the question refers to the Crown Colonies which are under the control of the Colonial Office; if the hon. Gentleman applies the meaning of self-determination to them, I hope he will recollect that there are Indians as well as British native inhabitants in these Colonies.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I want to know from the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends the modern doctrine of self-determination shall be accorded to these Crown Colonies in respect to the influx of Indians where they are not wanted?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I inquire whether self-determination will take into account that in Kenya Colony there are over 2,000,000 African negroes as well as 5,000 whites; and will their views be taken into consideration?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Do you think they want Indians?

Mr. MONTAGU

There are many things perpetrated in the name of self-determination.