§ MR. TOMLINSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to the reported occupation of Eastern and Western Sarakhs, Whether the cession of those places to the Turkomans brings them or either of them within the territory lately acquired by Russia; and, whether it will be part of the duty of the Commissioner, for the delimitation of the Afghan boundary, to settle or investigate the limits of the new boundary between Russia and Persia?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEIn regard to Western Sarakhs, I have already stated that Her Majesty's Government have no information leading them to suppose that it has been ceded to the Turkomans by Persia; and in regard to Eastern Sarakhs, I have nothing which I can add to my answer of yesterday. It is not the duty of the Afghan Boundary Commission, as at present arranged, to settle the Russo-Persian boundary.
§ MR. TOMLINSONThe noble Lord has not answered the second paragraph of my Question.
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI answered that when I stated it was not in my power to make any additional 266 statement to what I said yesterday in the House with regard to Eastern Sarakhs.