HC Deb 14 February 1927 vol 202 cc537-8
12. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is in a position to state the reason why the Indian Legislative Assembly was not permitted to discuss the despatch of Indian troops to China?

Lord STANLEY

My Noble Friend understands that the Governor-General disallowed this Resolution, under Rule 22 (1) of the Statutory Rules of Business, on the ground that it could not be moved without detriment to the public interest.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Might we know who bears the expense of sending these troops from India—the Indian Government or the British Government?

Lord STANLEY

I am afraid I could not answer that question without notice.

6. Mr. THURTLE (for Mr. LANSBURY)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any protests have been received by His Majesty's Government or the Government of India against the despatch of Indian troops for service in the Far East?

Lord STANLEY

Not so far as my Noble Friend is aware.

7. Mr. THURTLE (for Mr. LANSBURY)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make a statement as to the number of Indian troops recently despatched for service in China; and whether this action was taken at the instruction of His Majesty's Government?

Lord STANLEY

It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the Indian troops were despatched at the request of His Majesty's Government, after consultation with the Government of India, and with their concurrence.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the Noble Lord aware that the cost of the Indian Brigade has been published in the Press already?

8. Mr. THURTLE (for Mr. LANSBURY)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether this Government still adheres to the undertaking given by Sir Godfrey Fell, on behalf of the Government of India in the Indian Legislative Assembly in 1921, that Indian troops would not be employed for service outside the external frontiers of India except for defensive purposes and in a very grave emergency?

Lord STANLEY

The policy advocated by the Government of India in 1921 on the lines of the Resolution of the Indian Legislative Assembly, and accepted by His Majesty's Government, is that, except in the gravest emergency, the Indian Army should be employed outside the Indian Empire only after consultation with the Government of India. His Majesty's Government adhere to that policy.

Mr. MOSLEY

Was it not understood that the "grave emergency" should relate to Indian affairs?

Back to