HC Deb 26 March 1941 vol 370 cc576-7
40. Mr. G. Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government to make a further attempt to bring about a fuller and more complete co-operation between the various important sections of opinion in India in order to increase the war effort in that country?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

The Government, I need hardly say, are most anxious to see such co-operation and have constantly in view the desirability of furthering it, so far as any action on their part can contribute to that end.

Mr. Macdonald

In view of the statements of leading statesmen in India, and in view of the fact that as the war nears the East the problem becomes more vital, does the right hon. Gentleman intend to leave the matter where it is at present?

Mr. Amery

No, Sir; I hope not.

Mr. Graham White

Has the right hon. Gentleman any recent information with regard to a change of view on the part of the Moslem League?

Mr. Amery

I have no information except a paragraph I have seen in the Press.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is it not true that all Indians whose co-operation is really of value are already co-operating in the war effort?

Mr. Macdonald

Is it not true that there are imprisoned in India many men whose services would be of great value to the war effort?

Mr. Amery

I hope to have the support of all Indians.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider releasing those Indians who are in prison?

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