51. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that an experienced officer of the Indian Civil Service has gone out to India to conduct independent negotiations with various Princes; and whether he will state the object of these negotiations?
§ Mr. BUTLERMy Noble Friend is presumably referring to the fact that an Indian Civil Service officer of the Political Department lately on leave has been appointed to the charge of a special branch of the Government of India secretariat which will deal with constitutional questions relating to the Indian States, including questions relating to the execution of the States' Instruments of Accession.