§ 17. Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have under consideration the question of allowing Burmans to enlist in the Indian Army; and when it is contemplated that a decision will be taken in the matter?
§ Sir S. HOARECertain classes of Burmans such as Karens are already enlisted in the Burma Rifles, which form part of the Indian Army. The question of enlisting Burmans from other classes in the Defence Forces of Burma, if that 1431 country is to be separated from India, has been taken into consideration since it was raised at the Burma Round Table Conference. I cannot yet say when a decision is likely to be reached.
§ Captain FULLERIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that Karens are not Burmans and that Burmans have been enlisted in the Army before, and proved a most expensive luxury?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am so fully aware of the fact that I have drawn a distinction in the answer which I have just given.