HC Deb 13 August 1883 vol 283 cc269-70
MR. JOSEPH COWEN

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If any information has been received from India respecting the subsidy to be paid to the Ameer of Afghanistan; and, if he is now in a position to state to the House the services the Ameer is to render in return for £120,000?

MR. J. K. CROSS

The annual subsidy of 12 lakhs of rupees is given as a subsidy personal to the Ameer Abdurrahman as an aid towards meeting his present difficulties in the management of his State, to be devoted to the payment of his troops, and to other measures which may be required for the defence of his territories. No Treaty has been concluded with the Ameer.

MR. JOSEPH COWEN

asked, whether there were no conditions of service to be given by the Ameer in consequence of this payment? Subsidies to previous Ameers had been given; but in consequence of these, they had extended to the British Government certain powers—such as to have a Resident at Kabul, Agents on the frontier, facilities in respect to commerce, and even a distinct, provision that the foreign policy of Afghanistan should be regulated and controlled by the British Government in India. What he wished to know was whether any such conditions had been obtained from the present Ameer in consequence of this subsidy?

MR. J. K. CROSS

No such conditions have been imposed upon the Ameer.

MR. JOSEPH COWEN

gave Notice that on the Indian Budget he would call attention to the subject.

MR. ONSLOW

inquired whether arms and ammunition were to be given as well as the £120,000?

MR. J. K. CROSS

No, Sir; no arms or ammunition. If any more Questions are to be put, I shall be very much obliged if hon. Members will give Notice.

MR. ONSLOW

I beg to give Notice that, in consequence of the way in which the hon. Gentleman answers my Questions, in future I shall put all such Questions to the Prime Minister.

MR. GLADSTONE

I beg to say, in that case, if the hon. Gentleman contemplates putting Questions to me, owing to his disapproval of the answers given by my hon. Friend, I shall not think it my duty to take over the duties of my hon. Friend.

MR. ONSLOW

I beg to give Notice that at the usual time I am going to give the right hon. Gentleman Notice of a Question for Thursday next.