§ 14. Mr. THURTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Subhas C. Bose has been notified by His Majesty's British consul at Vienna that if lie returns to India he will not retain his liberty; and whether this notification was on the instructions of his Department?
§ Mr. BUTLERYes, Sir, this notification was given at my Noble Friend's request.
§ Mr. THURTLEMay I ask whether this Gentleman is not to be allowed to return to his native country without being arrested and, seeing that he was first arrested four years ago, do the Government intend to keep him under control indefinitely without trying him for any given offence?
§ Mr. BUTLERWith regard to the first part of the question, I have already said that notification has been made to him that he cannot expect to remain at liberty if he returns to India. The second part of the question goes beyond the original question, and I should require notice of it.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill there be any limit to the continued persecution of this eminent citizen of India?
§ Mr. BUTLERI have already said that that is wider than the original question and had better be put on the Paper.
§ Miss WILKINSONWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House what objections the Government have to Mr. Bose, and what is the charge against him? Has it yet been formulated?
§ Mr. BUTLERI think Mr. Bose is aware of the reasons which led to his incarceration in India in the first instance. He was allowed to go away for medical reasons.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs it not a fact that no charge has been preferred against him? Why do you not try him and sentence him if he has done anything?