HC Deb 25 July 1940 vol 363 cc956-7
16. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further statement to make respecting the political situation in India and conversations between the Viceroy and Indian political leaders; and whether he has reconsidered the Indian proposal of a preliminary central provisional Government, possessing the confidence of Indian democratic institutions?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I have no statement to make at present with reference to the first part of the Question. If, in the second part, the hon. Member is referring to the resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee on 7th July, I can only say that I have, of course, taken note of the whole of that resolution.

Mr. Sorensen

Will there be a statement early, in view of the increasingly serious situation in India; and is there likely to be a discussion at an early date in this House on this very important matter?

Mr. Amery

If there is a desire, there will be a discussion on Indian affairs; but, at the same time, I must point out that I do not admit that the position in India is so serious as the hon. Member implies.

Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, unfortunately, there is no body which can be described as the central provisional Government, which would have the approval or authority of both the great races in India?

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not precisely that kind of ambiguous statement just made by the hon. Member that is deserving of discussion at an early date?