HC Deb 22 February 1926 vol 192 cc5-6
6. Mr. KELLY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given by the Secretary of State to the recommendation of the Esher Committee that greater latitude should be given to the Governor-General in Council and the Commander-in-Chief in matters affecting internal military administration?

Earl WINTERTON

Yes, Sir.

7. Mr. KELLY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given to the Resolution of the Indian Legislative Assembly of March, 1921, recommending the appointment of the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief of the General Staff in India on the nomination of the Secretary of State for India and after previous consultation with the Government of India and the War Office?

Earl WINTERTON

The accepted procedure in regard to these two appointments is in effect as stated in the question, with certain minor modifications. I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Resolution of the Indian Legislative Assembly, 28th March, 1921: That the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief of the General Staff in India should be appointed by the Cabinet on the nomination of the Secretary of State for India in consultation with the Government of India and the Secretary of State for War.

Procedure decided upon by His Majesty's Government:

The Commander-in-Chief is appointed by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for India with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for War.

The Chief of the General Staff is appointed by the Secretary of State for India (with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for War in the case of a British Service Officer) on the nomination of the Government of India.

8. Mr. GROVES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether effect has been given to the Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of March, 1921, recommending the restriction of direct communication between the Commander-in-Chief in India and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to matters which would not involve the Government of India in financial or military obligations without their concurrence?

Earl WINTERTON

Rules are in force providing that such correspondence shall not cover matters which involve military or financial obligations.