HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1940-1
58. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will now, as a possible contribution towards ending the present deadlock in India, allow influential non-party men, like Messrs. Sapru and Rajagopalachari, to confer with Mr. Gandhi?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I am content to leave the question of interviews with Mr. Gandhi to the discretion of the Government of India.

Mr. Davies

In view of the appalling and dangerous deadlock in India, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be wise to use the advice of such men in an important matter of this kind?

Mr. Amery

No, Sir.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that a new situation has been created by the resignation of three members of the Viceroy's Council, and will he make suggestions to the Viceroy that the contacts suggested in the Question should be allowed?

Mr. Amery

No, Sir.

59 and 60. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether he will arrange to place at the disposal of Members of Parliament the whole of the correspondence that has recently passed between the Viceroy of India and Mr. Gandhi;

(2) whether he will arrange for the correspondence that recently passed between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi to be published in full in the newspapers circulating in India?

62. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the recently-published correspondence between Mr. Gandhi and the Viceroy represents and includes the whole of the correspondence or only a selection; and whether this and other relevant matters are to be published as a White Paper?

Mr. Amery

The recent correspondence between Mr. Gandhi and the Viceroy has been given in its entirety to the Press, both in India and in this country. It has been made available in the Library and I will readily supply a copy to any hon. Member who desires it. It is not proposed to lay a White Paper.

Sir Stanley Reed

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to supply a copy of the correspondence between Mr. Rajagopalachari and Mr. Gandhi?

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are references in the correspondence to other letters which apparently have not been published?

Mr. Amery

There may be, and in those letters there may be references to other correspondence.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish those letters?

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