EARL of RONALDSHAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the assent of the Ameer of Afghanistan to-the provisions of the Anglo-Russian Convention, 1907, relating to Afghanistan, has yet been notified to the Russian Government; and, if not, is it to be understood that, in accordance with Article V., these provisions are inoperative?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)I have to express to the House, on his behalf, the regret of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that owing to the part which I am sure the House will appreciate he is taking in the negotiations now proceeding in connection with the coal dispute, he is unable to be present. I have also to express my regret that the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is indisposed, and he has asked me to reply on his behalf. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am glad to state, however, that the Russian Government have willingly enabled the two Powers, so far as their own actions are concerned, generally to carry out in practice the provisions of the Agreement.
EARL of RONALDSHAYCould the hon. Gentleman say whether any Note has passed between the Governments embodying that arrangement?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI will convey that supplementary question to my right hon. Friend.