§ MR. ROBERTSONasked the Under Secretary of State for India, If his attention has been called to the following paragraph in the "Times" of the 5th March instant:—
A Treaty has been concluded with Khelat whereby the British Government agrees to support the Khan against internal and foreign foes, and to pay an annual subsidy of £10,000, besides a further sum of £2,200 for the purpose of effecting such improvements in the country as the Government may approve. In return the Government will have the right to occupy the chief towns with troops, to construct railways and telegraphs, and to erect forts. The British Agent's headquarters will be at Khelat, and an officer will also be stationed at Quetta;and, if he will inform the House if such a Treaty has been concluded, and if the Government approves of the policy indicated of thus occupying places in Beloochistan far beyond the British territory?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONThe paragraph alluded to refers to a revision of an old Treaty concluded in 1854 between the Indian Government and the Khan of Khelat, under which an annual subsidy was granted to the Khan to enable him to fulfil certain obligations, and the right of stationing British troops in any part of Khelat territory was confirmed to the British Government. In March, 1873, this subsidy was withheld in consequence of the Khan having failed to fulfil his obligations to protect trade and secure the peace of the frontier. Towards the end of 1875 the late Viceroy despatched Major Sandeman with a suitable escort on a special mission in order that he might, if possible, terminate the prevailing state of anarchy. The present Viceroy has carried on the negotiations initiated by his Predecessor, and the present Treaty is the result. It is therefore scarcely necessary to observe that the revision and adaptation of an old Treaty to existing circumstances does not in any way indicate on the part of the Indian Government any intention of pursuing an aggressive policy towards the countries beyond their borders.