HC Deb 06 March 1885 vol 295 cc274-5
MR. CHAPLIN

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Government received, several months ago, important information with regard to the advance of the Russian Forces towards Herat and the Frontier of India, from a high official and military authority in India, to the following effect:— Russia can, in from 80 to 100 days after the orders are spread from the War Office, put 95,000 regular Troops in positions from which we can hardly drive her, and from which she can undertake the invasion of India at her own convenience, and with a very fair prospect of success; whether the same authority did not make urgent recommendations in regard to that advance; and, whether Her Majesty's Government considered that information to have been reliable; and, if so, whether he is able to state, consistently with the public interest, what steps, if any, Her Majesty's Government have taken in consequence?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I understand the hon. Gentleman's Question to refer to a Memorandum which was privately circulated in India by the Quartermaster General, but which has not been officially submitted by him to the Government of India. In these circumstances, the Government decline to express any opinion upon the subjects discussed in the Memorandum. Even if it were desirable in the public interest—which I certainly do not think it is—it would not be possible to make any statement as to the steps which have been taken by the Government of India in regard to these matters.

MR. CHAPLIN

Do I understand from that answer that the noble Marquess has received the information to which I have referred?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I have received the Memorandum, which I presume has also been received by the hon. Gentleman in the same manner.