§ MR. ONSLOWasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether there is any truth in the report that Mr. Lepel Griffin has been ordered from Cabul to Simla; what arrangements have been made for the continuance of negotiations with certain Afghan Chiefs during the absence of that officer; and, when he intends to lay upon the Table any further Papers relating to our present position in Afghanistan?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI have received no intimation to the effect that Mr. Griffin has been sum- 1628 moned to Simla. If, however, it is the case, General Sir Donald Stewart, who has the supreme political as well as military command at Cabul, would be fully competent to continue the negotiations going on with the Afghan Chiefs. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I do not think, in the present state of the negotiations, that it would be possible for me to lay on the Table of the House anything which would add to the information of the House; but I will take care to lay on the Table such Papers as I am able at the earliest possible moment.