§ 2. Mr. Cecil Wilsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any further announcement to make on the situation in Rajkot; and whether he has been in communication with the Ruler of that State regarding the honouring of his pledge to the people?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)On 2nd March, Mr. Gandhi sent an ultimatum to the Ruler of Rajkot State suggesting that he should set up a committee to recommend a scheme of constitutional advance in the State. The committee was to consist of four members chosen by the Ruler and five members, including the chairman, named by Mr. Gandhi. Three officers of the State to be approved by Mr. Gandhi might be appointed as advisers to the committee without the right to vote. The committee was to start work on 7th March and report by 22nd March. Its recommendations were to be put into force within seven days, subject to their examination by Mr. Gandhi or Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel. Mr. Gandhi undertook to allow nothing to remain in these recommendations which would affect the prestige of the Ruler, his State or his subjects. Mr. Gandhi also stated that all political prisoners must be released and all fines for political offences remitted. Failing acceptance of these suggestions, 1722 Mr. Gandhi threatened to fast. The Ruler rejected this ultimatum, and Mr. Gandhi began to fast on 3rd March. The Ruler denies that he has broken any of his undertakings in connection with the appointment of a Reforms Committee, and His Excellency the Crown Representative does not consider that a case to the contrary has been made out. I am not aware that any specific communication on that point has been made to the Ruler, but the Resident is, of course, in constant contact with him.
§ Mr. WilsonHas the Under-Secretary's attention been called to the plea put forward by two Indian papers, both under British control, that the time has arrived when there should be some inquiry as to what is happening in this State?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadYes, Sir; I have seen those newspaper articles.
§ Miss WilkinsonDoes the Under-Secretary, in that case, propose that any inquiry should be conducted, in view of the very serious situation that would arise if anything should happen to Mr. Gandhi?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe Secretary of State and the Crown Representative are in constant consultation on this matter, and are acting in accordance with the normal tradition of the Crown Representative.
§ Miss WilkinsonWill not the normal tradition of the Crown Representative in this case be such a tragedy that it might be better to find some new precedents for dealing with the situation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe lines on which the Crown Representative acts in connection with the Ruler of a State have been stated on many occasions in this House, and I think the normal custom is being followed in this case.