47. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Prime Minister what reply he has given to the suggestions recently made to him by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, and other distinguished Indian leaders, in regard to the government of India?
§ 53. Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Prime Minister whether it has been possible for him to formulate his reply to the appeal made to him by a group of distinguished Indian leaders and whether he is prepared to state the terms of his reply?
§ The Prime MinisterThe communication referred to only reached me at the moment of my departure from the United States, and I could do no more than send an acknowledgment. I will, however, give careful attention to the suggestions which are made, and will thereafter send an answer in terms which can be made public.
§ Mr. MacdonaldWhile appreciating that any good military strategy in the Far East at present may be nullified by political strategy which is not equally as good, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this question of India is arousing great interest throughout this country and the other countries, and will he see that there is no delay whatever in dealing with the problem of the maximum war effort from India?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is always my desire, but I am not sure that the raising of far-reaching constitutional issues at this time, when the enemy is so near the gates of India, would be advantageous to the war effort.
§ Mr. MacdonaldDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that any delay over this question, in view of the present situation in India, may do more harm than good to the war effort?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter of opinion.