§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the circumstances of the release of Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Azad and other political prisoners; whether any conditions were attached to their release; how many altogether have been released; whether these releases denote any alteration of policy respecting constitutional changes in India; and whether, particularly in view of the present international situation, any discussions are likely to take place between the Governor-General and Indian political leaders?
§ Mr. AmeryThe Government of India have decided that those civil disobedience prisoners whose offences have been formal or symbolic, as well as Dr. Azad and Mr. Nehru, can now be released. I have no figures as to releases up to date, but it is hoped that practically all such persons will have been set free by the end of the year. No conditions are attached to the releases and no change is involved in the declared policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to future constitutional advance. As regards the last part of the Question, I have no doubt that the Governor-General will take any such steps as may be necessary to intensify the Indian war effort in the face of the grave developments in the Far East.