§ 29. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the proposals of Mr. Rajagopalachari respecting the transference of power to a responsible representative Indian Government; and whether he will encourage the visit to this country of this Indian leader and secure travelling facilities for him?
§ 31. Mr. Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will invite Mr. Rajagopalachari and other responsible Indian leaders to discuss with Mr. Jinnah and to visit this country to explore the possibility of the Indianisation of the Viceroy's Council and the setting up of a national government to secure, during the interim period, the fullest Indian co-operation in the prosecution of the war?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 17th November.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable resentment among the non-Congress parties' representatives against this refusal to allow them to have contact with the Congress Leaders; and what possible harm can there be for some Indians to meet other Indians, both of whom have a certain political significance?
§ Mr. AmeryIt is the considered policy of the Government of India not to allow access to Congress Leaders in view of the line they have taken and continue to take.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to do absolutely nothing to assist this sincere and energetic Indian leader to try and break this deadlock; and if he does not consider the progress of opinion in this country, will he consider it in the Dominions and the United States of America?
§ Mr. AmeryWe always welcome agreement, but you cannot make people agree who are not prepared to agree.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that this intelligent Indian leader has totally failed to convert Indians to his views and has 489 been turned down by Moslems, Sikhs, the oppressed classes, and by Indian Christians?