§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the recent advances towards Afghanistan, and to past experience as 927 to the adherence of Russia to her previous professions, Her Majesty's Government have taken, or are taking, any measures with a view to the security of Herat?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this Question; and I can only assure the hon. Member that, taking into consideration the repeated declarations of Russia that Afghanistan is not within the sphere of her political influence, we are bound to accept the positive assurances lately given that there is no foundation for the report of an advance against Herat, which town is now garrisoned by a considerable force of the Ameer's troops, and the attempted occupation of which by Russia would lead to the most serious consequences.
§ SIR HENRY TYLERWill the hon. Gentleman kindly represent to Her Majesty's Government how important the matter is, and how necessary it is that in this matter they should not be too late?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONCan the hon. Member state the date of the last assurances by Russia with regard.
§ MR. J. K. CROSSNo, Sir; I cannot at present state the date; but if the noble Lord will give Notice of the Question I will endeavour to answer it.
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSIs it not the fact that since the appointment of the Afghan Boundary Commission the Russians have advanced much nearer to Herat than before; and can the hon. Member say at what distance from Herat they now are?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSPerhaps the hon. Member will give Notice of a Question of that kind.
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSAre we to understand that the answer to my hon. Friend behind me (Sir Henry Tyler) is an answer in the negative?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSNo, Sir.
§ SIR HENRY TYLERIf it is not an answer in the negative, may I ask what measures the Government are taking?
§ [No reply.]