HC Deb 08 February 1881 vol 258 cc342-3
BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that Russia has declined to give any positive assurance that she will not advance to Merv; and, whether the statement is correct that, in view of the movements of Russia towards India, Her Majesty's Government have decided to defer the evacuation of Candahar?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, it is not a "fact that Russia has declined to give any positive assurance that she will not advance to Merv." We have reason to think that it is not her intention to do so; but I must repeat that there have been no negotiations upon the subject. With regard to the evacuation of Candahar, I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given last night by the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for India.