MR. J. B. SMITHsaid, he would beg to ask the President of the Board of Control whether the Government has decided on confirming or disallowing the annexation of the Principality of Dhar; and in case the Government has decided on the above question, whether it will produce Copies of the Correspondence which has taken place on the subject.
LORD STANLEYSir, the despatch which will announce the intentions of the Government with regard to the affairs of Dhar is in course of preparation, and has not yet gone out. But I may say, generally, that it is the intention of the Government to disallow the policy of annexation 1920 as regards the territory of Dhar, and that the present occupation of that territory is provisional only, subject as to its duration to further explanation which we hope to receive. I may add, that in the present state of affairs I think it would be premature to produce the papers.