HC Deb 27 February 1939 vol 344 cc870-1
2. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the recently announced change of policy by Congress to the effect that they will in future intervene by agitation in the Indian States wherever they could; and whether he will represent to the Government of India that Congress should be warned that such agitation is undesirable?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The formal pronouncement of Congress in December advised persons not belonging to the States concerned to take no part in Civil Disobedience therein. Since that date there has, I believe, been no further formal pronouncement, though there have been various statements by Congress leaders from which various conclusions might be drawn. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 20th February.

Sir A. Knox

Is it not a fact that Mr. Gandhi much more recently has made an announcement that Congress has changed its policy and intends to interfere in the internal affairs of the States as much as it can?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

There has been no formal pronouncement by Congress on that subject. It is true that there have been statements by Mr. Gandhi and others from which various inferences might be drawn, but I do not think, in view of the attitude taken by Congress, that these constitute any change of policy.

Sir A. Knox

In view of the increasing activity in Jodhpur, Baroda and other States, would it not be advisable to make a public pronouncement to show that the Government of India will carry out their Treaty obligations of protecting the States?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

It is quite clear that the Government of India intend to stand by the Treaty obligations. I do not think there is any doubt on that point.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not true that the Principalities are still under the British Crown and that there is no legal restriction upon the passing of Congress leaders and spokesmen from British India into native India if they so desire?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The obligation of the Paramount Power to the States has been stated on many occasions. It is to protect the States from disorder within the States themselves.

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