§ MR. RITCHIEasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether any information has been received at the India Office with reference to the report of the great victory of General Roberts?
§ MR. E. STANHOPESir, I am happy to be able to inform my hon. Friend and the House that we have received full confirmation from the Viceroy of India. With the permission of the House I will read the telegram from the Viceroy. It is dated the 5th of December, and is as follows:—
Roberts attacked Peiwar 2nd; turning movement during night of 1st successful; surprised and turned enemy, but attack of Kotal from that side found impossible. Roberts, therefore, continued turning movement, placing himself in enemy's rear, with flanking column, while General Cobbe engaged attention in front. Enemy, reinforced by four regiments from Khushi, made determined resistance, but were driven from Kotal, which was occupied at 4 p.m., 2nd. Enemy completely defeated, leaving 15 guns and large amount of ammunition in our hands; other guns abandoned, and will he secured. Loss supposed to be very heavy. Our loss—Captain Kelso, R.A., Major Anderson, 23rd Pioneers, killed; General Cobbe and Lieutenant Munro, 72nd Highlanders, wounded; about 50 men killed and wounded. Troops had 85 to undergo great exertions and exposure at altitude of 8,000 feet, but behaved admirably, and are in excellent spirits. Roberts continues pursuit towards Shutar-Gardan to-day; wounded sent into Kuram.