§ 4. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what decision has now been reached in respect of the former India Office Library and the transference of any portion of the collection of books to the Governments of India and Pakistan, respectively.
§ Mr. SandysThis issue is still under discussion with the Governments of India and Pakistan.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this matter has now been discussed for many years? There is pressure on the part of India at least, and, I think, of Pakistan, with regard to this. Can he give some idea as to when a decision will be reached regarding separation of the Library into its respective parts? Is he aware that there is possibly a claim by Burma to some of the books?
§ Mr. SandysThe hon. Gentleman should not always assume that the British Government are necessarily at fault in the matter.
§ Mr. SorensenI did not say that.
§ Mr. SandysThe implication was that the delay is due to the British Government. I have done everything I can—and I am sure that India and Pakistan will bear me out—to accelerate a definitive solution of the question.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that I made no insinuations regarding this? On the contrary, I thoroughly appreciate what he has said. I am merely drawing attention to what I realise is a very difficult 1337 problem. I merely asked for information. Is it impossible now to ask for information from the Government?
§ Mr. SandysI am glad that the hon. Gentleman has corrected the false impression which I formed of what he said. The discussions are entirely confidential and therefore, without the agreement of the other two Governments, I should not like to make any statement about it today.