§ 51. Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now state the result of his communication with the Governor of Ceylon regarding the statements made by Shaukat Ali and Dr. 27 Kitchlew in which they described English statesmen as damned liars and hypocrites, and stated that a lakh of Englishmen did not require much killing; and what action is to be taken in the matter?
§ Mr. LUNNI regret to inform the House that my right hon. Friend has been taken ill rather suddenly. I hope it is not serious. I have to apologise for his absence, and I have been asked to take his questions.
The Secretary of State has received a Report from the Governor, who states that he fully considered the matter prior to the arrival in Ceylon of these persons, whose chief object appeared to be to collect funds, and decided that no action should be taken to prevent their landing in the Colony. They have now left the Colony, and the Governor states that the political effect of their visit has been extremely small. The Secretary of State sees no reason to take any further action in the matter.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. Gentleman say if these statements were made before he took office?
§ Mr. LUNNI think I should explain that these answers were drafted for my right hon. Friend, and have been just handed to me.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that they were certainly made before he took office?