§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is any further news as to the Indian situation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)In regard to the general situation, I have nothing material to add to what is already in the possession of the House. As regards the North-West Frontier, however, and particularly the tribal aspect of the situation, I can give the House the following information which has not, I think, appeared in the Press. In the Peshawar District, on the borders of the Mohmand country, after the air action taken on 11th May against the Haji of Turangzai, of which the House already knows, the inhabitants of certain villages in British territory which have been in communication with the Haji were disarmed by Frontier constabulary supported by troops. Several leaders have been arrested. The lashkar collected by the Haji's son was attacked by the Royal Air Force again on the 12th. In Northern Waziristan, on 11th May, a Waziri lashkar some 400 strong attacked the Tochi Scout Post at, Datta Khel. One scout sepoy was killed. The Royal Air Force attacked this lashkar, but desultory firing on the Post continued during the night of the 11th. On the 12th the lashkar was reported to be dispersing and, therefore, no further action took place. On the night of the 12th, however, Datta Khel Post was again attacked, and air action was again necessary on 13th May.