HC Deb 04 August 1947 vol 441 cc969-71
35. Brigadier Low

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is intended that any or all of the present Gurkha regiments will join the Army of India or of Pakistan on 15th August, or whether they will be directly under the Supreme Commander until arrangements for their future have been agreed; and if he will give an assurance that none of these regiments will lose their present character of being officered by British officers without this House being first informed.

Mr. A. Henderson

The future of the Gurkha regiments is still the subject of negotiations between the Governments of Nepal, India and the United Kingdom, and urgent steps are being taken to hasten their conclusion. Meanwhile all the Gurkha units, as part of the Indian Army, will remain under the administrative control of the Supreme Commander. The House will be informed of the outcome of such negotiations at the earliest possible moment.

Brigadier Low

When the right hon. and learned Gentleman says that they will remain under the administrative control of me Supreme Commander, does he mean that they will not pass to either the Dominion of India or the Dominion of Pakistan on 15th August?

Mr. Henderson

After 15th August Gurkhas stationed in India will be under the operational control of General Lockhart, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and those in Pakistan under General Messervy, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give a categorical assurance on behalf of His Majesty's Government that the existing units of the Gurkha Brigade will not be transferred as such to either Pakistan or the Dominion of India?

Mr. Henderson

I am not in a position to give that assurance because it will depend on the outcome of these negotiations.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

With great respect, is this not purely a matter for the British Government and no one else can give a decision on it?

Earl Winterton

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman suggest that His Majesty's Government have no responsibility in the matter of the Gurkhas?

Mr. Henderson

I am not suggesting that we have no responsibility. What I am suggesting is that, in view of the new situation that is arising in India, the future of the present Gurkha regiments is to be determined by agreement between the three Governments I have mentioned.

Brigadier Low

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say which Minister of His Majesty's Government will be responsible for the Gurkhas after 15th August so that we can continue pressing for this assurance?

Mr. Henderson

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down.

Mr. Vane

Have the authorities in Nepal expressed any opinion as to the future of the Gurkhas?

Mr. Henderson

The authorities in Nepal have had ample opportunity of expressing their views in the discussions which have already taken place.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that a special responsibility in this matter rests between the British Government and the Government of Nepal, because the latter is an independent Government with whom we have relations through the Foreign Office? I should like to be assured that before any decision is taken full weight will be given to that aspect of the question.

Mr. Henderson

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government of Nepal have already expressed their views and will no doubt have a great deal to say in the discussions that are shortly to take place.