§ MR. LYNCH (Yorkshire, W.R., Ripon)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of recent developments on the Afghan frontier, he will lay upon the Table of the House copies of any correspondence which may have passed between the Government of India and His Majesty the Amir of Afghanistan in connection with the AngloRussian convention; and whether, before undertaking any military operations within Afghan territory, he will place the House in possession of the views of His Majesty the Amir in any differences which he may have with the Indian Government.
§ MR. BUCHANANThe answer to the first Question is in the negative. As regards the second Question, in view of the present condition of affairs on the frontier it would not be in the public interest for me to give a reply.
§ MR. LYNCHasked whether any communication had been sent to the Amir requesting his assent to the Anglo-Russian Convention, and if so, on what date.
§ MR. BUCHANANI recognise on the part of Members how carefully they have abstained during the last ten days from extending Questions which it might be invidious to answer. I hope they will support me on this occasion in declining 236 on that ground to give an Answer to the hon. Gentleman.