HC Deb 20 March 1879 vol 244 c1313
LORD ROBEBT MONTAGU

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he can give any information to the House concerning a report in the "Standard" of March 18th, announcing the despatch of 20,000 Russian troops across the Caspian to unite with other troops, and with the probable intention of seizing Merv?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

No, Sir, I have no information that I can lay before the House. We have heard reports as to the movements of the Russian troops in that quarter; but we have no information that would justify us in stating what their probable destination was.