MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, can he state what was the purpose and object of the Mission to the Amir of Afghanistan, Habibullah Khan, which was despatched from Peshawar to Cabul on November 27th last; and, generally, what instructions and what powers were given to its chief; what steps were taken to secure the safety of the Mission daring its journey to Cabul, its stay there, and its return to India; what news has since been received of the Mission; has it yet left Cabul on its return; and, if so, when; when is it expected to reach Peshawar; and when will Papers be laid giving an account of its proceedings.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)The Mission is still at Cabul. The arrangements for its safety while in Afghan territory rest with the Amir, and while on the British side of the border with the Government of India. As I stated on the 16th † in reply to a Question
† See page 307.1097 from the hon. Member for West Denbigh it would not be in the public interest to make any statement at present as to the object of the negotiations, or to publish Papers on the subject.