§ 13. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now give the particulars respecting Indians holding His Majesty's commission, decorations or honours won, war casualties and treatment of prisoners?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)It is not in the public interest to state the actual number of Indian officers in the Indian Army, but I can tell the hon. Member that 40 per cent. of the officers recruited since the outbreak of war have been Indians. I have asked the Government of India for complete particulars of decorations and honours won by Indians for meritorious or courageous conduct. Indian casualties, including casualties to British officers of the Indian Forces up to 31st August, 1942, were 3,286 killed, 9,168 wounded, 86,289 missing and 3,236 prisoners of war. I have reports received through the Red Cross and the Protecting Power 344 regarding the treatment of Indian prisoners in Germany and Italy, but not in Japan.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, might I ask him whether he has any evidence of unfair discrimination against Indian prisoners by the Italian Government?
§ Mr. AmeryI am sorry to say that so far we have not received direct information with regard to the treatment of Indian prisoners by the Japanese, and I am very anxious to secure it.
§ Mr. SorensenI asked about the Italian Government.
§ Mr. AmeryNo, Sir, I do not think there is any evidence of unfair treatment by Germans and Italians, as far as I am aware.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to have a report on these various matters about which I have asked in the Question?
§ Mr. AmeryI cannot be sure. We have been waiting for a long time to get information about Indian prisoners in Japanese hands. That is why I gave so large a number of missing, most of whom are believed to be prisoners, but their names have not come in.
§ Mr. TurtonHas my right hon. Friend received reports on the treatment of Indian prisoners at Tobruk who were recaptured after the battle of El Alamein?