HC Deb 22 February 1886 vol 302 cc898-9
LORD FRANCIS HERVEY

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If he can state the limits of the "territories formerly governed by Theebaw" which have been annexed by proclamation to the dominions of the Crown, and whether the territories annexed include the Karennee Country, Manipur, or other Countries marked "Independent" in the map prefixed to Mr. Colquhoun's work on "Burma and the Burmans;" whether it is the case that a garrison of 18,000 men is to be maintained in Burma; whether further Papers on the subject can yet be presented; and, if he will also lay upon the Table Papers relative to the cession of Gwalior, and the accompanying arrangements?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH)

The territories formerly governed by King Theebaw do not include the Karennee Country, nor the protected State of Manipur, nor certain tribes on the West already under the influence of the Government of India. The noble Lord will readily see that it would not be possible, at so early a stage of the occupation of the country, to state the precise boundaries of the territories now incorporated in Her Majesty's Dominions. The present number of troops in Burmah, both Upper and Lower, does not amount to 18,000. Until the country is pacified it would be impossible to state what force it will be necessary permanently to maintain there. I hope shortly to lay on the Table further Papers promised by the noble Lord the late Secretary of State as to the Provost Marshal's acts, and as to the executions; but at present there are no other Papers which can be laid upon the Table with advantage. In answer to the noble Lord's last Question, as soon as the Correspondence regarding the cession of the fort of Gwalior is complete, the Secretary of State will consider in what form information can best be given to Parliament?

MR. O'KELLY

Will the hon. Gentleman include the number of men shot by the Provost Marshal?

SIR UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

Every information on the subject which we can get I assure the hon. Member will be communicated to the House.