§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India what representations he has received from influential persons or organisations in India respecting facilities for legitimate communication with Congress prisoners and for purposes of negotiation respecting the present political situation; whether he can state the present whereabouts of Jawarharlal Nehru; and whether he can receive correspondence?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)I have received no such representations. Mr. Nehru is permitted to correspond with his family on family matters. I am not prepared to disclose his present whereabouts.
§ Mr. SorensenIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many prominent non-Congress politicians in India earnestly desire to communicate with the leaders of Congress with a view to a possible settlement? Further, may I ask whether it is true that Mr. Nehru is in East Africa at the moment?
§ Mr. AmeryI see no reason to think that a settlement would be promoted by contact with Congress members at this moment.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of my supplementary question, as to whether Mr. Nehru is in East Africa?