HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 cc592-3
90. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement on the recent dispute between the States of Sikar and Jaipur?

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

Trouble broke out in April between the Jaipur Darbar and the Rao Raja of Sikar, who is a feudatory of the Maharaja of Jaipur and whose Thikana is part of Jaipur State. The cause appears to have been the degree of control which the Darbar exercises over the Thikana. As a result of the informal intervention of the Resident in Rajputana, the Rao Raja left Jaipur on 29th April. On 25th May the Jaipur Government appointed a commission under the chairmanship of an officer of the Indian Political Service to investigate the causes of the trouble and suggest remedial measures. But the continued refusal of the inhabitants of Sikar to allow the re-establishment of normal administration there prevented this commission starting work on the spot. On three occasions on 5th July, armed supporters of the Rao Raja opened fire on Jaipur troops and police who returned their fire. Two Jaipur police were killed and seven wounded. Fourteen of the Rao Raja's supporters were killed and 30 wounded.

Mr. Henderson

Is it possible for the Viceroy to use his influence to get a settlement of this dispute?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The Crown representative has promised by telegram to send a further report on the situation as it develops. So far it has not been received.