1. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India the present situation in the negotiations which have been taking place between the Government of India and the Government of the Nizam of Hyderabad as to the position that the Berars would occupy under a federal constitution; what changes do these negotiations involve in the present status of this territory; and is the change dependent on his adherence to the proposed All-India federation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)A provisional agreement has been reached with His Exalted Highness the Nizam as to the constitutional position of the Berars in the event of the establishment of Autonomous Provinces and a Federation. This question, which is separate from that of the adherence of Hyderabad proper to a Federation, arises out of the unusual and complicated status of the Berars. The practical effect of the agreement is that the method of governing the Berars in conjunction with the Central Provinces would be changed only to the extent necessary to bring it into line with the proposed political developments in other parts of India. The ratification of the agreement with the Nizam must naturally depend upon the decision of Parliament as to the scheme as a whole.
Duchess of ATHOLLWill my right hon. Friend say if it is the case that the proposals that have been made will add to the prestige or position of His Exalted Highness in regard to the Berars?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt is difficult to give a general answer to a question of that kind. The negotiation is a complicated 838 one, covering a number of points, but my Noble Friend may rest assured that the Joint Select Committee are considering all those points.
Duchess of ATHOLLAre we to understand that the negotiations with the Berars are subject to what the Committee recommend?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have said that in regard to certain aspects of the case, the ultimate decision must be with Parliament.