§ Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the recent special session of the Burma Legislative Council was prorogued before any definite vote was taken on the issue of federation with India or separation from India under a new constitution; whether he is aware that 44 members of the Council signified in writing their support of the motion for federation with India; and whether he has yet received the report of the proceedings of the Council and the Governor's comments upon the situation?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe report of the proceedings of the Burma Legislative Council's recent session have not yet reached me; but I have received from the Government of Burma a summary of what took place. I have also received, as possibly the hon. Member has, a printed document from the anti-separationist parties which includes a statement over the signatures of 44 members of the Council, including eight Indian members, claiming that they would have voted for the resolution tabled by the two leaders of the anti-separationist group, if, after 10 days of debate from 25th April to 6th May, the issue before the Council had been brought to a vote. The report which I have received makes it clear that the anti-separationist members evaded all the opportunities which were openly offered them to bring the matter to a clear decision by the usual methods either of moving their motion as an amendment or of moving the closure; and His Majesty's Government do not find it possible to accept anex parte statement as to what might have happened as a clear decision by the Legislative Council.