§ 8. Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the grave developments in the Eastern situation, he is prepared to make a statement with a view to an immediate settlement of the Indian question?
§ 10. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Seretary of State for India what action is being taken by His Majesty's Governmenut to take the quickest and fullest advantage of the changed position in the Far East, both outside and inside India; and whether it is intended to make an immediate and wholehearted effort to end the present unsatisfactory state of affairs throughout India?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Members will no doubt have seen in the Press the moving and earnest appeal for unity and co-operation made by the Viceroy to the people of India in his speech before the Associated Chambers of Commerce on 15th December. I would only add that this appeal has my whole-hearted support.
§ Mr. MacDonaldSeeing that similar appeals in the past have been ineffectual, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, in view of the present position in the Far East, that there is not great danger of a large amount of Fifth-Column work going on in India and of our war effort there being undermined by such work?
§ Mr. SloanHas the right hon. gentleman seen the statement made by the President of Congress, and is there any change in the attitude of His Majesty's Government such as would enable the President of Congress and his followers to change their attitude?
§ Mr. ShinwellInstead of talking of moving appeals, would it not be better if a first move came from His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. AmeryAny moves would naturally come from the Viceroy, and the Viceroy has done all in his power to bring the parties together.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not prepared to invite the leaders of Congress to begin setting up an independent Constitution for India? It is the one sure way of getting the Indian people interested.