§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYBefore the House adjourns I wish, not to put any Question to the noble Earl which he would have any difficulty in answering, but to ask him, Whether there is any information which he can give with respect to the state of the negotiations with Russia, and also whether he can give us any information as to the strange rumours which are prevalent as to the state of things which have taken place on the scene of the negotiations in Afghanistan? The stories are, as I understand some people say, that the Russians are advancing along the Murghab, while others say that the Russians are in Herat. I wish to extract such information as the noble Earl may be able to give.
§ EARL GRANVILLEI have nothing to add to what Mr. Gladstone said so well last week. I may, however, say that we have received particulars from M. de Staal of the statement made by General Komaroff as to the causes of the lamentable conflict which has taken place, and the inquiry is proceeding. But I have no reason whatever to believe in the truth of the rumours to which the noble Marquess has referred.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI understand from the noble Earl that he has not received from the Russian Government any explanation as from them- 1443 selves of the circumstances in question?
§ EARL GRANVILLEI have received from the Russian Ambassador, not an explanation from the Russian Government, but the statement made to them by General Komaroff, which has also appeared in the public journals of today.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYIs the noble Earl expecting any further information?
§ EARL GRANVILLEWe are in communication on the subject.