§ 6. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a, resolution which was passed at the All-India Moslem Conference held at Delhi on 6th April, warning the British and Indian Governments that their present attitude to Congress and Mr. Gandhi will lead to civil war and the ruin of India; and what action is being taken to assure Moslems that they and other minorities in India can always rely on British protection?
§ Mr. BENNI have seen the resolution referred to, and I would direct the attention of the hon. Gentleman to the statement on Government policy made by the Prime Minister at the concluding session of the Round Table Conference. In the first paragraph of that declaration it was set out that the new Constitution must contain such guarantees as are required by minorities to protect their political liberties and rights. The policy of the Government in this matter was further referred to by me on 12th March in this House, when I made it clear that such guarantees must be provided in order that the new Constitution should start with the good will and confidence of all the communities concerned.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the resolution referred to, the attitude of the British Government and the Government of India towards Congress and Mr. Gandhi was referred to as spineless weakness, and 580 does not he think it desirable, apart from any statement made by the Prime Minister, that it should be stated that the British will under all circumstances see that the rights of the Moslems are guaranteed?