§ 1. Mr. WARDLAW MILNEasked the Tinder-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a letter from His Highness the Nizam of Hyderabad to the Viceroy of India setting forth a claim to the Province of Berar; and whether he can make any statement of the views of the Government and the Government of India in the matter?
§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the Nizam of Hyderabad's letter to the Viceroy of India laying claim to the Province of Berar; whether he can give any further information on this subject; and whether he will ensure that due weight will be given to the wishes of the inhabitants of Berar in this matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Richards)I have seen a copy of the letter referred to. The letter itself is understood to be under consideration by the Government of India, and I am not at present in a position to make any 1278 further statement on the subject. The representations contained in the letter cannot, of course, be taken into consideration by the Secretary of State unless and until they are received, in the constitutional manner, through the Government of India. An assurance has already been given that no steps in the matter will in any case be taken without giving to the people of Berar a full opportunity of expressing their wishes.
Mr. MILNECan the hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to the reason why this matter has only now been raised?
§ Mr. RICHARDSI must ask for notice of that question.