§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What intelligence has been obtained as to the flight of Ayoub Khan; whether he has taken refuge on Russian territory, or reached Kuolak; and, whether, in the event of his raising a fresh insurrection in Afghanistan, the Government are prepared to give armed support to the Ameer?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)According to latest information Ayoub Khan's party were surrounded in Afghanistan by the Ameer's troops, and he himself, with a few followers, has been driven back into Persia, where orders have been given by the 21 Shah for his capture. With reference to the last Question, I am not able to state what Her Majesty's Government might do in any conceivable circumstances.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)Can either the Under Secretary of State for India, or the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, say, without Notice, as it is a question of fact, whether the subvention for the maintenance of Ayoub is paid in advance or in arrear; and, whether his safe custody is one of the conditions of payment?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI think it is manifest that that is a Question of which Notice should be given.