§ MR. CURZON (Southport)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India (1) whether the Indian Government has withdrawn the small detachment of Native troops recently stationed at Panjgur, in South Beluchistan; and, if so, for what reason; (2) and whether, considering the recent political disturbances in Beluchistan, the Government will consider the propriety of retaining this force in a district of so much political and strategical importance?
* MR. GEORGE RUSSELL(1.) Yes, Sir; the Government of India have withdrawn a small detachment, who 521 were left temporarily in Mekran as escort to the Political Agent with the object of securing execution of certain awards. The Government of India refused to retain troops when it was found that awards could not be executed in a definite period, and that their further employment involved direct assumption of administration. The Government of India were of opinion that (a) the assumption of jurisdiction over Kej and Panjgur would add materially to British responsibilities in Beluchistan, and the expenditure entailed would certainly increase considerably in the course of a few years. (b.) The employment of a British force at so great a distance from India is objectionable. (2.) The Government of India have in contemplation certain arrangements for the political control of the Mekran Coast, without assuming the administration of any part of it.