37. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to what extent the Indian Government has withdrawn facilities for the recruitment of men for the Gurkha Regiments of the British Army.
§ 38. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations the Government of India has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the employment of Gurkha regiments outside India.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)The Government of India have informed Her Majesty's Government that they wish to terminate the present arrangements by which the actual enlistment of Gurkhas from Nepal for service with the British Army takes place on Indian territory. We are at present examining the possibility of alternative arrangements.
Air Commodore HarveyWill my hon. Friend represent to the Indian Government the invaluable part played by the Gurkhas in Malaya and elsewhere? Does he not think it is an extraordinary thing to do, and will he bring every pressure to bear to see that these men are allowed to serve voluntarily in the British Army?
§ Mr. FosterHer Majesty's Government attach the highest importance to the continued flow of recruits to the Gurkha Brigade in the British Army.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile recognising that the present position is in conformity with the agreement with the Indian Government, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman would consider whether there should not be some adjustment of this arrangement in order to meet the natural wish of the Indian Government not to desire their nationals to be employed in external wars for which they have no responsibility?
§ Mr. FosterThe hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. These men are not nationals of the Indian Government. With regard to the other part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, of course Her Majesty's Government wish to respond to the request of any Commonwealth Government.