HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 cc929-30
12. Mr. Gammans

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, if, in the transference of power in India in 1948, it is proposed to include the Andaman and Nicobar islands, in view of the fact that these islands have no racial connections in India.

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

The question of the future administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of a number of questions which will have to be considered in connection with the arrangements for the transfer of power, and I regret that I am unable to anticipate the decision upon it in advance of the consideration and determination of those arrangements generally.

Mr. Gammans

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that both the American and Russian Governments are laying claims to islands and territories all over the world on the grounds of strategic considerations, and in view of that why should not we state definitely now that we require these Islands, which are in no sense Indian, for the strategic protection of Malay and Ceylon?

Mr. Henderson

I do not think that we should necessarily follow the example of other countries. Circumstances are entirely different. As regards the population of the Andaman Islands, 12,000 are from India, and only 5,000 are aboriginals.

Mr. Gammans

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that most of those 12,000 are criminals, who were sent there, and would he not agree that these Islands are in no sense part of India?

Earl Winterton

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether it would require legislation to transfer these Islands to a foreign Government, or could it be done by administrative action?

Mr. Henderson

I think that the final determination of the possession of these Islands would have to be settled by agreement with the new Government of India, and that the general settlement would require the approval of Parliament.