HC Deb 03 May 1900 vol 82 cc586-7
MR. MACLEAN

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the statement made by the Amir of Kabul is correct that the Government of India has frequently of late years pressed. him to allow the construction of railways, and telegraphs in his territory; and why the Government of India has acquiesced in the Amir's refusal to accept its advice in this matter.

LORD G. HAMILTON

The Government of India has on several occasions, advised His Highness the Amir to give attention to the construction of railways and telegraphs; but, as I said in my reply in this House to a question last year, the Amir has never shown any desire for the extension of railways or, I may add, of telegraphs in Afghanistan; and the hon. Member is aware that the Amir is ruler in his own dominions.

MR. MACLEAN

Is the answer, then, that the Amir receives large subsidies from the Government of India unconditionally, that he is absolutely unfettered, and that we have no suzerainty over him?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is a matter of argument.