HC Deb 04 November 1946 vol 428 cc1057-8
71. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what British troops or other British personnel were employed in escorting Pandit Nehru on the North-West Frontier; and if instructions will be issued that in no circumstances shall the lives of British troops be imperilled in safeguarding Indian Ministers who insist on travelling in areas hostile to them.

Mr. A. Henderson

Over the whole period of Pandit Nehru's tour of the N.W Frontier, no British units were used. Excluding British political and police officers, 59 British officers of the Indian Army or Civil Armed Forces were used on escort or protective duties. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir." It would not be proper to issue instructions that would fetter the authorities in India in discharging their responsibility for maintaining security.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that on 29th October, Pandit Nehru himself admitted that the Governor of the North-West Frontier had come down and strongly recommended that he should not go on this trip, and, in that case, would the hon. and learned Gentleman take special steps to see that such an occurrence does not happen again?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir. I think we must leave it to the authorities in India to decide on the employment of British troops in India.

72. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make a statement on the recent visit of Pandit Nehru to the North-West Frontier tribes.

Mr. A. Henderson

I understand that Pandit Nehru visited the North-West Frontier Province and certain tribal areas in his capacity as member of the Government of India for External Affairs. I have no other detailed information as to his visit other than what has already appeared in the Press.

Mr. Wyatt

Has my hon. and learned Friend any comment to make on the allegation made by Ghaffar Khan that disturbances during Pandit Nehru's visit were engineered by the Political Department of the Government of India?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir. I think Pandit Nehru himself has made a statement in the Indian Legislature, and perhaps I may be allowed to quote it: It is evident that the references to the Political Department are not accurate.