HC Deb 27 April 1931 vol 251 cc1349-50
4. Brigadier - General Sir HENRY CR0FT

asked the Secretary of State for India whether having regard to the demonstrations in favour of assassina- tions, and notably that in honour of the murderer of the late Mrs. Curtis, by the Central Sikh League at Amritsar on 10th April, he will instruct the Government of India to bring into operation the ordinary provisions of the Indian law regarding incitements to murder and attempts to promote hatred between different classes?

14. Sir A. KNOX

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been directed to a speech made by Mr. S. G. Bose to the Sikh League at Amritsar, in which he said that India was required to produce thousands of Bhagat Singhs before she could attain purna swaraj; and whether it is proposed to prosecute Mr. Bose on the ground of incitement to murder?

Mr. BENN

The question of action in particular cases must rest with the Authorities in India who are fully alive to their responsibility for the enforcement of the law.

Sir A. KNOX

Can the right hon. Gentleman not urge on the Government of India and point out to them that these direct incitements to murder are particularly dangerous with an excitable population like that of India?

Mr. BENN

I have no doubt the Government of India are aware of the importance of the point.

Sir H. CROFT

Have no steps been taken to put the law into operation in regard to this case?

Mr. BENN

That question is covered by the answer which I have given.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman no influence on the Government of India to get action taken?