Gurkhas (Future)

Oral Answers to Questions — India – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 5 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan , Perth 12:00, 5 Mai 1947

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to report on the negotiations regarding the future of the Gurkha Brigade and of recruitment and use of Gurkhas in the armed forces of the Crown.

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

Discussions have been held in Delhi between representatives of His Majesty's Government and the Government of India. A visit to Katmondu is now being paid in this connection by representatives of His Majesty's Government and the Government of India. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Photo of Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan , Perth

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman particularly bear in mind that the Gurkha race owes its allegiance and friendship to the British Crown, and not to the Indian Government, and that the negotiations should, therefore, take place between those two authorities, and not the Indian Government?

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

I think it would be better to make no comment at the moment until we see the course of those discussions.