§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is true, as stated, in the correspondence of the "Morning Post" from the camp of General Gough's brigade, April 5th, that after the action with the Afghans on the 2nd of April, in which the enemy are described as having behaved with extraordinary gallantry, "seven Moullahs were shot by order of a military commission the following day," on the charge of having instigated the resistance of the Afghans on that occasion; whether he can inform the House what Article of War, or custom of war, authorises the execution of the priesthood in any country on the charge of instigating their compatriots to resist invasion; and, whether, if the statement be confirmed, he will engage to have the parties brought to justice?
§ MR. E. STANHOPESir, I have received a diary of events which includes 19 the date of the action of the 5th April, and that contains no intimation or suggestion that any such event as that to which the hon. Member refers had taken place. I am sure the House will see that I am, therefore, not in a position to give the hon. Member any further information upon the subject, or to express any opinion upon facts which are not before us.
§ MR. O'DONNELLMay I ask if the hon. Gentleman will deem it his duty to inquire into this very grave matter?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEOf course, Sir, the India Office does not of its own motion inquire into every statement made by a newspaper correspondent; but as the hon. Member has called the attention of the House to this particular statement, I will cause an inquiry to be addressed to India without delay.