§ MR. BRADLAUGHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India when the Papers relating to Kashmir, stated on the 18th of February to have been recently received from India, and early publication of which was then furnished, will be presented to the House; and whether the Secretary of State will state what condition he wishes to insure in Kashmir before he gives the Maharajah the opportunity of governing his State "in a way which will be a benefit to his subjects and to neighbouring countries as well," which it was stated the Government of India would be prepared to facilitate?
SIR J. GORSTThe Papers relating to Kashmir are now before my noble Friend the Secretary of State, and will be immediately presented to the House—I have little doubt before the expiration of the week. The hon. Member asks mo what condition the Secretary of State wishes to insure in Kashmir before he gives the Maharajah the opportunity of governing his State in a way to benefit his subjects and neighbouring countries. The condition which the Secretary of State wishes to insure in Kashmir is one of just and upright government in the interest of the people of the State.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of people of Kashmir are of opinion that the only way to secure the state of things which the Secretary of State desires is the restoration of their lawful ruler and the withdrawal of all improper interference?
SIR J. GORSTNo, Sir, there is no reason to suppose that the majority of the people of Kashmir entertain any such opinion.