HC Deb 02 March 1842 vol 60 cc1356-7
Mr. Mangles

wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman, the First Lord of the Treasury, whether her Majesty's Government were in possession of any later information with regard to Affghanistan, than that which had been already laid before the House.

Sir R. Peel

said, that no accounts direct from Cabal or Candahar were in the possession of the Government of a later date than those of which he believed the public were in possession. There were accounts from Calcutta, of a later date; but the accounts from Calcutta were not founded on direct official information conveyed from Affghanistan to Calcutta, but on private letters, conveying intelligence which it was very improbable, could be called in question. That intelligence was such as to create considerable anxiety, but, as it was not official, he was not enabled to communicate it. There was every reason to believe that in the course of a few days they would have accounts direct from Affghanistan. He did not know whether the hon. Gentleman had made any special reference to the reports which had appeared of a surrender having taken place. No such ac-having been received by her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Mangles

referred to reports of negotiations for capitulation.

Sir R. Peel

said, there were no accounts of that character. The intelligence, as he had said, was calculated to create anxiety, but there were no accounts of a negotiation being actually entered into, and still less, any account of a surrender.

Subject at an end.