§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement respecting recent conversations between the Viceroy, Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Jinnah, respectively; and whether he has any information respecting the circumstances of the arrest of Mr. Subhas Bose?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)I have no statement to make with reference to the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, the Bengal Government report that the immediate reason for the arrest of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose on 2nd July was to forestall a breach of the peace in Calcutta on the following day when he had declared his intention to initiate forcible action to secure the demolition or removal of the Holwell Monument in Calcutta commemorating the "Black Hole" tragedy. He intended to take this course as an attempt to induce the Bengal Government to come to a decision on the matter, which was under their consideration, within 24 hours. He is now awaiting trial under the Defence of India Rules for certain subversive speeches recently delivered by him.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister likely to make a statement in the near future with regard to the conversations, especially in view of the fact that he stated last time that conversations were being held then and that he might have some report to make later on?