§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for India who is now Director of the Royal Indian Marine at Bombay; whether Captain Lumsden is now employed by the Indian Government in any capacity; and, if so, in what capacity?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Government of India informed me in May that Captain Lumsden, R.N., had tendered his resignation, which I accepted. I have requested the Government of India to await the receipt by them of the Report of the Mesopotamia Commission before making any recommendation for filling the appointment, as it is obvious that that Report necessitates a careful reconsideration of the duties and position of the officer filling this post. Meanwhile I understand that Captain Wilson, R.I.M., is acting as Director, and that Captain Lumsden is not employed, but is taking the leave to which under the Regulations he is entitled. I ought to make it quite clear that Captain Lumsden's resignation was wholly unconnected with the Report of the Commission, which of course he had not seen.