§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 1,000 Indian Haj pilgrims on board the s. s. "Jehangir" were recently detained at Port Said on their way to Mecca; what was the reason for their detention; whether they have now proceeded on their journey; and whether steps are being taken to protect the sea routes of Indian subjects on pilgrimage?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. The s. s. "Jehangir" was detained by her owners, not at Port Said, but at Port Sudan, pending inquiry on the spot regarding the feasibility of landing the pilgrims safely at Rabigh. The latest reports indicate that the pilgrims are now proceeding from Rabigh to Mecca. His Majesty's Government have always taken whatever measures were possible and proper to secure the safety of the Indian pilgrims.