HC Deb 20 February 1885 vol 294 cc910-1
MR. E. STANHOPE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether any reply has been received from the Russian Government to the request of Her Majesty's Government that, pending the decision of the Afghan Frontier Commission, the Russian troops should be withdrawn from Pul-i-Khatun; and, if he can make any statement as to the negotiations now going on with the Russian Government as to the resumption of the work of the Commission?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I must answer the hon. Gentleman's first Question in the negative. With regard to the second, Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that it would be injurious to the public interest if any statement were made at present as to the negotiations with the Russian Government respecting the Boundary Commission.

MR. ONSLOW

May I remind the noble Lord that the same answer was given many months ago?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Yes, I am aware of that; but I may remind the hon. Member and the House that there are a very great number of negotiations which last several months.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked, whether the noble Lord could state, on the part of Her Majesty's Government, that they still adhered to the views expressed last year, to the effect that they intended to maintain the absolute integrity of Afghanistan?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have just said I do not think it my duty to answer Questions of this kind. If I were to answer Questions such as that I should be gradually drawn into making a full statement.

MR. CHAPLIN

I wish to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If we are to understand from the replies which he has given to Questions put to him that Her Majesty's Government are not in a position, and do not think it desirable, to give to the House of Commons any information whatever with regard to the position of the Russian Forces on the Frontier of Afghanistan at the present moment?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The Question on the Paper and my answer have no reference whatever to the position of the Russian Forces on the Frontier of Afghanistan.