§ 2. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what provisions His Majesty's Government are making for Anglo-Burman and Anglo-Indian men and women, Class 2 and 3, late of the Public Works Department and the Police of Burma.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerVirtually all the Anglo-Burmans and Anglo-Indians in question became, or were qualified to become, citizens of the Union of Burma on the Transfer of Power. In the Burma Gazette of 8th November, 1947, the Government of Burma reaffirmed their obligation for pensions and other service payments to members of the Services who are Burma citizens, or British subjects domiciled in India or Pakistan. The Government of Burma also issued Press communiques on 25th September, 1947, and 26th September, 1947, assuring the Anglo-Burmans a fair share of Government appointments in the Union, and assuring Indians of their future in service under the Government of Burma.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that any claims from this fine body of people will be sympathetically considered, and generously dealt with?
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerDoes the hon. Member mean consideration by the Government of Burma or by His Majesty's Government? I cannot answer for the first.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the hon. Gentleman take steps, as far as is in his power, to see that these claims are properly considered?
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerWe could not take steps to ensure that they are properly considered, but we have no doubt they will be. We have very friendly relations with Burma.