HC Deb 08 May 1929 vol 227 cc2165-6
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department has made any representations to the American Government having as its object legislation in America for the purpose of giving Indians the right to hold land already in their possession in America, in view of the recent decision in the courts of the United States of America depriving Indians of American citizenship?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

While His Majesty's Government have accorded the most careful consideration to the position of British Indians affected by the United States Supreme Court decision of 1923, which laid down that they were ineligible for United States citizenship and that in these circumstances those that had acquired naturalisation had done so ultra vires, there are no grounds, treaty or otherwise, upon which such representations could usefully be made. Action was, however, taken in 1923 with a view to giving Indian landowners affected by the decision time to dispose of their property.

Mr. DAY

How much time was given to them; and is it the case that many of them have still land there of which they have been unable to dispose?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I do not know exactly what time they were given, but we were able to obtain a promise from the United States Government that consideration would be given to them and that reasonable time would be allowed for them to dispose of these properties.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the fact that India has no control over foreign policy is sufficient reason why the Foreign Office should stand up for the rights of Indians in matters of this kind, just as they would for the rights of any other British subjects? Why should they be forced to sell their land?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I have just pointed out that we did our utmost to defend their interests and we got them this promise from the United States Government.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Is it the policy of the Government to differentiate between British citizens in India and British citizens in Great Britain?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

There has been no differentiation whatever by His Majesty's Government. This was a case of a legal decision given by the United State Supreme Court.

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