§ 3. Captain Ramsayasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a number of free courses at universities in Moscow have been given to Indian students on the understanding that they return to India as Communist missionaries; and how many of these students have returned to India during the last 10 years?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am unable to give exact figures, but I understand that between 40 and 50 of these students have returned within the last two years. The number who returned during the previous eight years was very small.
§ Captain RamsayAre students still going to Moscow and taking part in these courses; and if so, is the hon. Gentleman taking steps to make it clear that His Majesty's Government in India do not appreciate this procedure?
§ Mr. ButlerThe majority of these students have been traced by the authorities since their return. Some have been arrested and others kept under strict 585 surveillance. As regards making representations, I do not think at the present time any useful purpose would be served by doing so.
§ Mr. PalingHas not Tory propaganda been going on in India for generations; and why be so squeamish in this case?
§ Mr. ButlerI sincerely hope there has been such propaganda.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxIs this action by the Soviet Government to be considered a friendly action?
§ Mr. GallacherWhy are these people being arrested?
§ Mr. ButlerThey have not been treated in a friendly manner on their return, and the Government do not approve of the propaganda in which they indulge.