HC Deb 12 April 1945 vol 409 cc1966-7
34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India whether recent proposals made by representative Indians to Lord Wavell and His Majesty's Government are being sympathetically considered; and whether, in view of the consensus of Indian opinion favouring the release of the Congress leaders, any decision has yet been reached on this matter.

Mr. Amery

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that on all sides now there are constant representations regarding the release of these prisoners, and as a prelude to any further advantageous development, will not he announce at an early date that instead of letting the prisoners free by instalments, they shall all be free?

Mr. Amery

I fully appreciate the position.

Mr. Sorensen

Can we be assured that some action will be taken in the very near future?

Mr. Amery

All matters are taken into constant consideration.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only in India but in progressive circles in this country there is very strong feeling against the continued imprisonment of Congress leaders, and will he not consider releasing them all right away?

Mr. Amery

I am aware of the views held in many quarters.

Mr. Silverman

What is the purpose now of these long-continued detentions at a time when the Home Secretary has released in this country a lot of people whom he held under the same powers?

Mr. Amery

The matter is one for the Government of India and the different Provinces concerned, by whom most of the detainees are kept, and who must judge from the point of view of security in their Provinces or in India.