§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary o State for the Colonies what steps, if any, have been taken to identify and bring to justice the English officer who, according to the deposition of J. K. Palis Nona, at Mangalatiria, Ceylon, on the 5th June, 1915, called forth her husband from his mid-day meal in his own house, and, without inquiry, charge, or trial, had him instantly shot dead by Punjabi soldiers; whether he is aware that this woman and her four children are now destitute; and what action is it proposed to take in this case?
§ Mr. LONGThis case has been considered by the Governor. From the Reports before me it appears that this man was shown by reliable evidence to have been a leader of a mob which had set fire to a mosque and killed a priest. The officer in charge of a patrol arrested him and ordered him to be shot after hearing the evidence. Rioting was in progress at the time and martial law was in force. I have no information as to the circumstances of the widow, but I have no doubt that the Governor has considered any representations brought to his notice in the matter.