HC Deb 08 April 1943 vol 388 cc784-5
12. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is able to encourage the continuance of the efforts of Mr. Rajagopalachari and Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru to bring about a measure of agreement among Indian leaders?

Mr. Amery

It should not be necessary for me to repeat my previous assurance that the efforts of Indian political leaders to find a measure of agreement continue to be welcome to His Majesty's Government and the Viceroy.

Mr. Harvey

Would the Minister use his influence to see that some opportunity at a suitable time is found for conversations, which at present are impossible?

Mr. Amery

No, Sir. I think I made it clear the other day that there would be great objections to consultations with the Congress leaders without definite assurances and guarantees of a different line of conduct on their part. As regards other leaders, they have been meeting frequently but, I am sorry to say, without agreement.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the Minister say whether that method was applied to Irish prisoners in the last war?