HC Deb 09 June 1884 vol 288 cc1778-9
MR. E. STANHOPE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that the Russian Government has published a new General Staff Map, which places the new frontier of Russia within fifty miles of Herat, and includes within that frontier territory hitherto always recognized as Afghan; whether any practical steps have been taken for the delimitation of the Afghan frontier; and, when he proposes to lay upon the Table any of the Correspondence with Russia upon this subject?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have seen the map to which the hon. Member refers. I beg that I may not be understood as in any way admitting the accuracy of this map if I add that his description of it is not quite correct. It is true that it traces the Afghan boundary line at about the distance from Herat which he mentions; but a large extent of territory to the north of that line is loft uncoloured, and is not included within the Russian boundary. As I stated on the 26th of May, in answer to the hon. Member for Berwick (Mr. Marjoribanks), communications are proceeding with the Russian Government as to the delimitation of the frontier of Afghanistan; but I am not able at present to give any details, or to make any promise as to laying Papers upon the Table.

MR. MACFARLANE

May I ask if, in regard to this proposed delimitation, the Ameer of Afghanistan is represented, or only England and Russia?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I said communications wore proceeding, and I cannot at present enter into details.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

In regard to the answer of the noble Lord, may I ask him whether any portion of the territory recently occupied by Russia—namely, Merv and Old Sarakhs, is coloured on the Russian Staff Map as belonging to Russia?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I do not think that is a Question which can be said to quite arise out of my answer.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

If the noble Lord is unable to answer the Question now, I will repent it, with Notice.

MR. E. STANHOPE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If Sarakhs and the adjoining line of frontier has been occupied by Russia in accordance with any Treaty with Persia; and, if so, when Her Majesty's Government first became aware of the existence of such a Treaty?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

If by Sarakhs is meant the place on the Western bank of the Heri Rud, it has not been occupied by Russia; and we are not aware of the existence of any Treaty by which Russia is authorized to occupy it. As I stated on the 26th of May, a report has reached us that the Russian Commander-in-Chief was about to take possession of lands on the right bank of the Heri Rud at Old Sarakhs, and to make them over to the Turcomans.

MR. BOURKE

Is there any Treaty with Persia with regard to the latter Sarakhs mentioned by the noble Lord?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The Foreign Office have no information.