13. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in March last a deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore was received by the Prime Minister of Mysore and obtained assurances that, after the proposed retrocession to Mysore, citizens of Bangalore would have representation in the Mysore legislature and would have no reason to regret becoming subjects of Mysore; and whether, as this proves that the inhabitants of Bangalore would become subjects of Mysore, he will give an assurance that the proposed retrocession will not be allowed to take place?
§ Mr. BUTLERThrough the courtesy of my Noble Friend I have seen a newspaper report of the deputation, but I cannot find in it any suggestion that the retrocession of an area in which British subjects reside at Bangalore would in itself make them subjects of Mysore State.
Duchess of ATHOLLHas the hon. Gentleman seen the document in question, from which it appears that the Prime Minister of Mysore, receiving a deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore, said that they need have no fear about their future as citizens of the Mysore State?
§ Mr. BUTLERI agree that there is a tendency to some confusion in this matter. As my right hon. Friend informed the Noble Lady on the 30th July, Mysore State claims that a very large proportion of the inhabitants of Bangalore are already Mysore subjects. There is therefore no question of their becoming Mysore subjects. In the case of British subjects, there is nothing we can see which would alter their status as British subjects.
Duchess of ATHOLLMay I further ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has not observed that on the same occasion the Prime Minister of Mysore assured the deputation from the mercantile community of Bangalore that they would have both representation as citizens in the Mysore Legislative Council and representation of their trade organisations?