HC Deb 20 October 1902 vol 113 cc205-6
SIR SEYMOUR KING

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether a consignment of arms purchased in Germany by the Ameer's agent, consisting of a battery of twelve quick-firing mountain guns, two howitzers, eighteen field pieces, and over 850 cases of ammunition and other war material, has been landed at Kurrachee ex: the Hansa liner "Wartburg" and forwarded to Peshawur en route for Cabul; and whether it is consistent with the relations of the Afghan and British Governments that a portion of the British subsidy should be employed in purchasing arms in Germany and conveying them to their destination across British territory.

(Answered by Secretary Lord George Hamilton.) It is the case that the late Amir of Afghanistan purchased in Germany certain guns and munitions of. war. This transaction is not inconsistent with the Agreement entered into by the late Amir and His Majesty's Government.