§ 36. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in certain districts of the North-West Frontier province villagers who voted in the recent election are being persecuted by Red Shirts; and whether steps are being taken to protect these people?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)According to my information there was a marked decline in Red Shirt activities immediately the elections were completed. I have not received any report of the persecution of voters, but the local authorities are armed with adequate powers to deal with any activities of that nature.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not reported in the Press that several of these unfortunate people who voted have not been able to draw water at the wells; and are not the Government under an obligation to protect these victims of democratic progress?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am informed that the election went off very well on the whole. I have given my hon. and gallant Friend all the information on the subject.