35. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary of State for India what steps have been taken by the Indian Government to terminate the drilling and training of large bodies of revolutionary tribesmen on the North-West Frontier of India, known as the Red Shirt Army?
§ 11. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary for India what action he intends to take to suppress the activities of the Red Shirt Army now being organised in the Frontier province and the Peshawar district?
§ Mr. BENNRecent Press reports have recorded in a single message various incidents which have occurred over a considerable period. Such resumés give, quite unintentionally, a misleading impression as to the actual position. The Government of India do not see any immediate necessity for any special action, but the provisions of the ordinary law are exercised for the maintenance of order and the control of meetings.
Sir F. HALLIs any veto placed upon revolutionary speeches, and are they still allowed to carry the Congress flag, following upon the agreement entered into between Mr. Gandhi and the Viceroy?
§ Mr. BENNThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware that the ordinary law is entirely unaffected by the conversations between Mr. Gandhi and the Viceroy and is being enforced.
§ Mr. REMERIs the resumé to which the right hon. Gentleman referred the medium by which erroneous reports are circulated?
§ Mr. BENNIf the question is based upon one of the Press resumés I have seen, it is full of inaccuracies.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to deal with false statements circulated by newspapers in this country which are calculated to inflame Indian opinion?
Sir F. HALLIf inaccurate statements are made, does not the right hon. Gentleman think the best plan would be to contradict them in the Press?
§ Mr. BENNIn so far as any statements that are inaccurate are brought to the attention of the House, I do my best to contradict them.