§ 34. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary of State for India the number of British officers who were compulsorily commissioned in the Indian Army; how this arose; and when they will be allowed, at their option, to transfer to the British service.
§ Mr. AmeryThe position remains as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend of 8th February. I would ask him to wait until I am in a position to make a general statement, which, I hope, will cover the points which he raises.
§ Sir J. MellorI am sorry to press my right hon. Friend on this matter, but as it has now been under consideration for many months is it not time that the House had, a least, a preliminary explanation of what is going on?
§ Mr. AmeryWhat I am endeavouring to get clear with the War Office are the exact principles, or criteria, in regard to what may have constituted actual compulsory transfer, or the feeling in the minds of those concerned that they were so transferred. That affects the question of claims for re-transfer, but I hope to make a statement shortly.
§ Earl WintertonIs it not a fact that the great majority of British officers who have gone into the Indian Army are only too proud to be connected with such a magnificent force?