§ VISCOUNT SANDON (for Mr. E. STANHOPE)asked the Secretary of State for India, If he will state the total amount of the subsidies in money, independently of gifts of arms, which has been granted to the Ameer Abdur Rahman?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTTNGTONSo far as can be ascertained from the letters and telegrams from India, the total amount which has been paid to Abdurrahman is rather more than 39½ lakhs. Of this sum, 9½ lakhs is money which was found in the Cabul Treasury when the city was occupied in October, 1879. In addition, the Ameer's Governor at Candahar is receiving a temporary subsidy of 50,000 rupees a month. This arrangement, I understand, is at present intended to continue for six months.
§ MR. MACFARLANEare these sums a gift or a loan?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe sums which have been given to the Ameer are a gift and not a loan. The sums, in English money, amount to nearly £390,000.