§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India if he has any information respecting the death of Mrs. Gandhi; whether she was in detention at the time; and whether her husband was permitted to attend her funeral.
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have learned with regret of the death on 22nd February of Mrs. Gandhi, at the age of 74. When it occurred she was in detention, in company with Mr. Gandhi. She was receiving all possible medical care and attention, not only from her regular attendants but from those desired by her family, and was able to see her near relatives. No request for her release was received, and the Government of India considered that it would be no act of kindness to her or her family to remove her from the Aga Khan's Palace. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. SorensenWere not only Mr. Gandhi, but relatives of the deceased lady also allowed to attend?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, I have information that the funeral rites took place, at the request of Mr. Gandhi, in the grounds of the Aga Khan's Palace at Poona, and relatives and friends were allowed to be present.