§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether Her Majesty's Government have yet made, or have any immediate prospect of making, any arrangements for the permanent and peaceful settlement and government of Southern Afghanistan, which will justify the withdrawal of the British forces from Candahar during the present season?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, I have to point out to the hon. Member that a permanent and peaceful settlement and government of Southern Afghanistan is not an indispensable preliminary to the withdrawal of the British forces from Candahar. It is quite possible that the unhappy state of things resulting from the late war may postpone a permanent and peaceful settlement in Afghanistan for an almost indefinite period. In reply to the Question itself, I have to state that arrangements are in progress which Her Majesty's Government, fully recognizing the importance of leaving, if possible, a settled government in Southern Afghanistan, hope will conduce to that end. I do not think that it would be at present to the advantage of the Public Service to enter into details on the subject.
§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked whether orders had already been given for the evacuation of Candahar?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONCertainly no such orders have been given from home, and I do not understand that any positive orders have as yet been given by the Government of India.