HC Deb 29 July 1943 vol 391 cc1758-9
24. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made with the proposal to bring representatives of the Fourth Indian Division to this country?

Mr. Amery

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. and gallant Member that arrangements are now being made for a party representative of all ranks of the Fourth Indian Division, both British and Indian, to visit this country.

Colonel Arthur Evans

Is it possible to arrange at a subsequent stage for the representatives of this gallant Indian division also to visit the United States?

Mr. Amery

This question has been considered. The difficulty is, of course, that this division is engaged in active operations, and the length of time involved in their crossing the Atlantic might make it difficult to spare them.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the visit of these representatives mean that the difficulties of transport have been overcome in this case? Anyhow, will they be able to express their views when they arrive here?

Mr. Amery

This division is not in India, but in North Africa. They will be here to say something about the wonderful things they have done in this war, and not to ventilate political questions, which I imagine do not interest them.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Will all ranks be represented?

Mr. Amery

Yes, sir.