§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Afghan Forces still hold Bala Murghab and Khushk; whether General Komaroff, who has inspected the "positions" from which the Afghans have been driven, has established a provisional government in the country up to the Paropamisus Hills; and, whether it is true that the following proclamation has been circulated by the Russians throughout Northern Afghanistan:—
You will have learned that your deceased master, Shir Ali, not only was the true friend of Russia, but also frequently admonished the Sultan of Turkey in letters to solicit the Czar's favour. You know, further, that the people of Merv voluntarily submitted to the Czar, whose power none can withstand, and under whose wings the faithful and the unbelievers alike find protection, justice, and clemency. God has even permitted that the holy town of Samarcand, with its mosques and sacred graves, should fall into Russian hands. Therefore, Afghans, keep good friendship with the Russians, assist them, and avoid their adversaries, for you too cannot escape the fate of the Turcomans, Yomuds, and others?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe Foreign Office have not been informed that the Afghans have evacuated Bala Murghab and Khushk, or that General Komaroff has established a provisional Government up to the Paropamisus Mountains, or that the Russians have circulated the Proclamation mentioned through Afghanistan.