§ MR. RICHARDasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can give the House any further information as to the state of affairs in Burmah; and, whether instructions have been sent to the Governor General of India not to take any step calculated to involve the Country in war with Burmah without express authority from home?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I am not in a position to add very much to the knowledge which the House already possesses as to the state of affairs in Burmah. The House is aware of the circumstances which occurred at Mandalay. The Resident there and the British Commissioner at 1857 Rangoon asked that reinforcements might be sent to protect British Burmah. We shall maintain the attitude of precaution, and the Resident will remain at Mandalay while he considers his safety not compromised. The telegraph keeps us in easy communication with the Indian Government, and my noble Friend (Viscount Cranbrook) assures me that we can rely upon their not taking any important steps without our consent.