HC Deb 07 April 1881 vol 260 c887
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true that a large supply of small-arms ammunition has been granted by the Indian Government to Abdar Rahman; and, whether such supply of munitions of war is intended exclusively for the external protection of Afghanistan, or is to be used by Abdar Rahman to repress discontent and opposition among the Afghan people?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

When Abdurrahman assumed the government of Cabul he represented to the Indian Government that, owing to the occupation of the capital by British troops, the arsenal was almost entirely empty. Upon that representation a considerable quantity of small-arm ammunition was given to him; but it is quite impossible for me to say to what use he may have put it. A further grant was made recently, in consequence of the representations of an Envoy of the Ameer at Calcutta.