HC Deb 15 March 1937 vol 321 cc1610-1
7. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a nation-wide cessation of work has been declared for 1st April; whether he is aware that this represents and will be interpreted as popular hostility to the new constitution; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Mr. Butler

I am aware that the Indian National Congress, at their session at Faizpur last December, passed a resolution calling for a hartal or cessation of work on 1st April as an expression of hostility to the new constitution. I have no statement to make on this matter.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the hon. Member realise that in view of the fact that the Congress candidates have been returned by overwhelming majorities, that the decision of Congress to which he refers will be implemented on the date to which I refer?

Mr. Butler

I would remind the hon. Member that one-day hartals are not a new or uncommon form of demonstration in India, and I do not think that undue significance need be attached to this decision.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the hon. Member agree that it would indicate hostility to the constitution?

Mr. Butler

I think that view has been expressed by certain members of the Congress before.