APPENDIX—VII
UNDER-PRIVILIGED IN INDIA SOLD TO OPPRESSORS
CABINET PLAN EXPOSED IN COMMONS DEBATE
During his speech in the debate Mr. Churchill referred to the British Government’s statement after the recent London talks and said:
“That, declaration appears to me to be the most important milestone in this long journey.
“The British Government owed special protection to the Muslims numbering 90,000,000 who comprised the majority of the fighting elements of India, and the Untouchables of anything from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000. They had been out witted and outmanoeuvred on this question. The pretence was put forward that they were a small part of the vast Hindu community not entitled to be considered as a minority community in Indian life.
“I must ask the Prime Minister to state the Government’s view and intentions on this particular point. Are Untouchables to be considered as an entity by themselves entitled to consideration given to entities or are they merely to be used to swell the numerical size of those whom they regard as their oppressors ?”
CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
Turning to the character of the Constituent Assembly which, he said, was apparently to proceed to make a Republic for India and engage upon it at once. Mr. Churchill said, “They are dealing with the fortunes of all Indians, while a large part is not even to be represented.”
Mr. William Cove (Labour) interjected : Is Mr. Churchill in favour of extending the franchise ?