§ 19. Brigadier Lowasked the Prime Minister on what grounds His Majesty's Government have agreed to the transfer of six famous Gurkha Regiments away from British command; and why this House was not informed of this decision immediately it had been taken.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Gurkha Regiments have hitherto been a part of 2248 the Indian Army, and it is therefore incorrect to speak of them being transferred away from British Command The agreement of which details were published on Saturday was the result of negotiations between Nepal, India and ourselves. I much regret that the pressure of events prevented the first announcement being made in this House. It is a matter of great satisfaction to us that the outcome of the negotiations, which were prolonged and by no means easy, is such as to meet our present essential requirements The hon. and gallant Member will have observed that, so far as Gurkha troops themselves are concerned, the change will be on a strictly voluntary basis on such terms as may be approved by the Government of Nepal.
§ Brigadier LowDoes not the Prime Minister agree that it was a characteristic of these Gurkha Regiments that they should be officered by British officers and that various Viceroys in succession have given assurances that these particular regiments will always be officered by British officers? Is it right, therefore, to transfer these regiments to the Indian Army where they will be officered by Indian officers?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I pointed out, this transfer is a voluntary one, and the Ruler of Nepal has agreed in principle that in future, Gurkha units included in the new Army of India should be officered by Indian officers, but the Government of the new Dominion have agreed that officers of Nepalese nationality will equally be eligible for appointment to these units. Until Indian and Nepalese officers are available in adequate numbers, it is hoped that sufficient British officers will continue to serve. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that this is an agreement made with the Ruler of an independent State and, therefore, it is for him to come to terms with ourselves and with the new Dominion in regard to the terms upon which the Gurkhas should serve.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say how it can possibly have come about that these units, as opposed to individuals, were transferred on a voluntary basis? That cannot possibly be the case. The main object was that the units should be kept as British units or disbanded, although the Gurkhas themselves might join the Indian Forces if 2249 necessary. Would the right hon. Gentleman say how these regiments were chosen, in view of the fact that of the six going to India, one was the Royal Regiment and others had three Royal titles? How was it they were chosen to go to India, who have already decided that they are going to get out with the Dominion or the Empire as soon as they can?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that I cannot necessarily accept what the hon. and gallant Member has said. All I can say is that this arrangement was made by the Indian authorities on the spot who, presumably, are perfectly well acquainted with the points which the hon. and gallant Member has made.
§ Earl WintertonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is a responsibility of His Majesty's Government and, therefore, we can raise the matter if necessary? It could not have been done without the sanction of His Majesty's Government and, therefore, they must have responsibility in the matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI quite agree, but the noble Lord will realise that the point was that in the change in the Government of India and its breaking up, arrangements had to be made for the Nepalese regiments. This was naturally arranged on a tripartite basis between the Ruler of Nepal, the new Dominion, and His Majesty's Government.