§ 2. Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next proposes to meet the Foreign Minister of India.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. David Ennals)My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to do so.
§ Mr. GoodladIs the Minister of State aware that recent events in India have given cause for great concern to the friends of India in all parts of the House? We look to the Government to make clear to the Indian Government, and those responsible, that what happens in India—without our in any way attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of another country—is of great interest to many countries in addition to the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is true that anything that happens in India is followed with great interest in this country. We are naturally concerned about the present emergency in a fellow member of the Commonwealth and the measures that have been taken under it, but it is, of course, an internal affair. I have noted that Mrs. Gandhi has said that the Indian Government hope to end the emergency as soon as possible. I hope that this will soon be possible.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the future of the Chogyal of Sikkim and of that State is of concern to his friends in this country and to those who love his particular part of India.
§ Mr. EnnalsThat is also an internal affair. I do not want to make any comment to the House.