asked the Prime Minister whether he will confirm that His Majesty's Government intend to maintain responsibility for the security of India from external attack after June, 1948.

The Government have declared their intention to transfer full power to Indian hands not later than June, 1948, and the responsibility for the security of India from external aggression will fall upon India from the date when full power is transferred. If India decides to remain within the British Commonwealth, the position as between His Majesty's Government and India will be similar to that now existing between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth If India decides to leave the British Commonwealth the continued security of India will, of course, be a matter of great interest to the British Commonwealth. His Majesty's Government will naturally be very willing to enter into discussions with India as to mutual assistance in matter of external defence subject, of course, to the obligations of both parties under the United Nations Charter.

In view of the Prime Minister's statement, will he give some assurance to British officers in the Indian Army in regard to their position during this critical time, as they want to know where they will stand in 1948 and to make plans?

That is a different question.