§ 68. Sir W. Smithersasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether in view of the recent decisions of His Majesty's Government he will arrange for the evacuation from India of all European women and children immediately.
§ Mr. A. HendersonNo, Sir; nor am I aware of any justification for the suggestion that immediate evacuation is required.
§ Sir W. SmithersWho will guarantee the safety of European women and children if British rule is withdrawn, either during trouble in India or when the Russians walk in?
§ Mr. HendersonAll I would say in reply to that question is, that I think it is regrettable that any suggestion should be made that is likely to give concern to the minds of those who have relatives and friends in India.
§ Mr. NicholsonWould it not be much better if the hon. and learned Gentleman, instead of having to direct his attention to such cockeyed questions as that, addressed his attention to the great need for passages for Europeans in India, who for many years have not been able to get them?