§ MR. BROCKLEHURSTasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether information has been received to the effect that the King of Burmah has refused to grant to the Resident at Mandalay a body-guard of one hundred soldiers for the protection of British subjects at Mandalay; and, in the event of the present negotiations with the King resulting in hostilities, if it is the intention of the Government to take such measures as may be necessary to secure the protection of the lives and property of British subjects in that city?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONSir, no information has been received at the India Office to the effect that the Resident at Mandalay has asked the King of Burmah for the number of men stated in the Question. I think it more than probable that the present negotiations with the King of Burmah will end in a friendly settlement of the differences which have arisen between him and the Government of India. Should they, however, terminate otherwise, the Government of India will be prepared to adapt its action according to the circumstances in which it may find itself placed.