§ 21. Mr. Barstowasked the Secretary of State for India what leaders of unofficial Indian opinion has the Viceroy met since 8th August; what was the nature of such discussions; and whether he has refused to grant any such interviews?
§ 22. Mr. Dobbieasked the Secretary of State for India what plans were discussed for ending the present deadlock at the meeting between the Viceroy and Mr. Mockerjee, the President of the Mahasabba; and what developments have taken place since that interview?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)Apart from the constant contact which the Viceroy has with the non-official members of his Executive Council, who are in the closest touch with representative political opinion, he has since 8th August had a three days session of his National Defence Council which comprises representatives from every Province as well as of certain States and has had the opportunity of discussion with individual members of it. In addition, he has seen leaders of the Hindu Mahasabba as well as a number of other non-official persons. It would be neither proper nor in the public interest to disclose what has passed in these confidential conversations. So far from declining to see any leader of Indian opinion the Viceroy is well known to be ready to receive any representative of any party or organisation who is concerned to discuss constructive steps. As regards most recent developments, I understand from the Press that although no positive result has so far been reported the leaders of the Hindu Mahasabba propose to continue for a further period their negotiations with other political leaders.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is now in a position to give the broad headlines of the conversations that have taken place?
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxIs it not desirable that the Viceroy should be allowed to carry out his difficult task without nagging suggestions?
§ 23. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the joint statement of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. M. R. Jayakar urging the opening of negotiations with the leaders of Indian political parties; whether he will assure the House that these suggestions are having careful attention; and whether he will make an early statement concerning these and other proposals contained in the joint appeal?
§ Mr. AmeryI can assure the hon. Member that careful attention is invariably paid to the suggestions of statesmen such as Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. Jayakar. As regards the policy of His Majesty's Government in these matters, I shall have something to say in the forthcoming Debate.
§ 24. Mr. Barstowasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the unfortunate impression in India, and in this country, resulting from differences of opinion on the subject of Mr. Gandhi's contribution to the breakdown of negotiations, he will consider the publication of a supplement to the White Paper, Cmd. 6350, of April, 1942, which would contain the evidence on which the Lord Privy Seal's conclusions were based as well as any other relevant material which would end the controversy?
§ Mr. AmeryThe question as to the part played by Mr. Gandhi directly or through others in the breakdown of negotiations must be a matter of opinion depending upon impressions gained from various sources on the spot at the time. I do not think therefore that any useful purpose would be served by the publication of a further White Paper.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWill the right hon. Gentleman not advertise Mr. Gandhi any more than is necessary?