HC Deb 15 July 1946 vol 425 cc869-70
84. Mr. Pritt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Sorabjee Rustomjee was recently sentenced to three months' hard labour in Durban for making a peaceful protest by way of passive resistance in relation to land in Durban prohibited to Indians; and if he will secure that the Indian High Commissioner will intervene with the Government of the Union of South Africa to avoid such incidents.

Mr. A. Henderson

I have seen a Press report of the matter, but have no official information. As my hon. and learned Friend will be aware, the Government of India have recently recalled their High Commissioner for consultation.

Mr. Pritt

Will the Minister do something to persuade the Government of India to take some interest in the Indians in South Africa?

Mr. Henderson

I think my hon. and learned Friend is a little hard upon the Government of India. The Government of India have recalled their High Commissioner and have terminated the trade agreement between India and South Africa. I think that is a sufficient indication of the interest they are taking.

Mr. Pritt

Having deprived themselves of the opportunity of making direct representations, will they make some other representations?

Mr. Henderson

They have not deprived themselves of the opportunity of making representations. They have recalled their High Commissioner for consultation, but there is still an official in South Africa, and if the Government of India desire to make representations the channel of communication still exists.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Would it not be best in this case to leave this very ticklish matter, about which there is such great feeling in India, to direct contact between India and the Union of South Africa?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, there is no intention of interfering. The Government of India have complete discretion in dealing with this matter.