HC Deb 07 July 1947 vol 439 cc1772-3
12. Brigadier Low

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma whether he has approved the decision by the Defence Department of the Government of Burma to invite personnel trained in the Japanese Military Academy during the war to apply for commissions in the Burmese Army.

Mr. A. Henderson

Among the conclusions reached in the conversations between His Majesty's Government and the Burma Executive Council last January it was agreed that all Burmese forces would forthwith come under the control of the Government of Burma. In these circumstances, the decision referred to by the hon. and gallant Member does not require approval by His Majesty's Government.

Brigadier Low

But surely His Majesty's Government must be interested in the decision of the Government of Burma to incorporate into the Burmese Army men who were trained by His Majesty's Government's late enemy?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir, but whatever decision may be taken by the Government of Burma, as we transfer power to them we must cease to retain the power to interfere.

Brigadier Low

But do His Majesty's Government approve of this or do they disapprove of this, as I am sure this House does?

Mr. Henderson

It is not my function to express opinions.

Major Legge-Bourke

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that on a question of this importance His Majesty's Government should express an opinion, and should not leave the matter in the air?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir, not on matters which are within the competence of the particular Government.

Brigadier Low

Is there to be no such thing as Imperial Defence in future?