§ 19. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the conferences of non-Congress leaders at Delhi and Bombay and the pronouncements made on both occasions; and whether he has any statement to make, or intends to make any response to the pleas there made?
§ Mr. AmeryI have seen in to-day's Press the text of a resolution passed yesterday by a gathering of prominent Indian politicians who have been conferring at Bombay. I have no statement to make in regard to this, which, so far as I am aware, has not yet been communicated to the Government of India. The conference at Delhi made an appeal to the Prime Minister in connection with Mr. Gandhi's fast, whose reply, sent on 24th February, was published in the Press.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that these conferences at Delhi and Bombay are of great significance, seeing that representatives of all sections of Indian life are present? Will he not give these pronouncements very serious consideration, and if I put a Question down a week hence, will he give some reply then?
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of my question?
§ Mr. SorensenWill he be prepared to give a reply if I put down a Question a week hence?
§ Sir Stanley ReedHave these distinguished men made any concrete suggestions for overcoming the difficulties that have emerged in these discussions?