§ MR. LEWIS FRY (Bristol, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India,—(1) whether any further number of the inhabitants of Kafiristan have taken refuge in Chitral since the statement made by him to the House on the 28th of February; and, if so, what arrangements have been made for them; (2) whether any representation in favour of the Kafirs has been made to the Amir of Afghanistan since the renewal of hostilities at the beginning of last month; and (3) whether any answer has been received from His Highness on the subject?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONIn answer to the first Question, my information is that only two sons of a Lutdeh Headman have taken refuge in Chitral since March 1st. In reply to the other Questions, the latest information in the 1257 possession of the Viceroy is to the effect that the Amir has directed his officers to treat the Kafirs leniently, and not to convert them against their will. He has also prohibited traffic in Kafir slaves. No opportunity has therefore presented itself to the Viceroy for addressing the Amir on the subject.