HC Deb 27 April 1885 vol 297 c822
MR. ONSLOW

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, With reference to paragraph 6 of General Lumsden's telegram— General Komaroff states 'Afghan audacity and arrogance increased by degrees.' Reply: It may have been so, but, if so, it was entirely caused by Russian action, as the Afghans did all they could to avoid collision, and it was solely owing to their patience and forbearance, during two months of incessant irritation, that peace has been preserved so long; and, whether the Government had any intimation from Sir Peter Lumsden, or from any other source, of this "incessant irritation;" and, if so, what action Her Majesty's Government took on receipt of this information?

MR. GLADSTONE

My answer is that from inquiry I find that there has been a statement of a somewhat vague and general character of this kind from Sir Peter Lumsden. It is very vague and general, and it has been duly referred to Sir Peter Lumsden for explanation.

MR. ONSLOW

Has there been any answer from St. Petersburg to the representations of Her Majesty's Government?

MR. GLADSTONE

Anything material and intelligible we have endeavoured to make known to the House; but I doubt whether we could go further until the time comes—if it should come—when it would be proper that the House should see the whole mixed matter of these telegrams altogether, and have the entire question before it.