§ MR. FAWCETTasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, When the advance of General Maude's division to Gandamak was ordered, and when the home authorities first became aware that an order for such an advance had been given; and, further, when the Government will be able to make their promised statement with regard to the position of affairs in Afghanistan?
§ MR. DILLWYNasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether and when the advance of any portion of General Maude's division in the direction of Cabul from Jellalabad has been communicated to the Home Government by the Indian authorities; and, if so, whether any reply has been sent off, and what is the tenor thereof?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am sorry that yesterday I was asked the Question so suddenly that I forgot a telegram which, had I remembered it, would have enabled me to answer at once what I can answer now. I refer to a telegram received from the Viceroy on the 3rd of April, on the strength of which I made the statement which I made a little time ago. He acknowledges the Secretary of State's of the 2nd, and he says—
No advance on Cabul contemplated without full previous reference; but, to give negotiations a reasonable chance of success, troops must be ready for all possible contingencies. Hence concentration of troops at the front and the newspaper reports. It may also be necessary to advance all or part of General Maude's division to Gandamak or other elevated ground in the Jellalabad district, as Jellalabad is too hot for troops in the summer months.That was the statement made, and the House will see from it that the advance to Gandamak was made for sanitary reasons. Instructions were given strictly from home, as I have already stated, that no advance upon Cabul should take place without previous consent from home, and no such consent has been asked. With reference to the latter part of the hon. Member for Hackney's Question, I can only say that the present position of affairs is this: that Major Cavagnari is now at Gandamak, and that messages are still passing between him and Yakoob Khan. Of course, it is impossible to enter into the details of those negotiations until they are brought 839 to a termination. But we shall be glad to make some statement to the House as soon as we can do so.