32. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India if he can give the House any information regarding the position in Afghanistan?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Secretary of State is not in a position to add much to the statements already published regarding the situation in Afghanistan. The latest reports leave no doubt that Sardar Nasrulla Khan, who was proclaimed Amir at Jelalabad immediately after his brother's death, has since resigned his claims in favour of Sardar Amanulla 912 Khan, the late Amir's third son. Amanulla Khan appears to have the situation, both at Kabul and Jelalabad, well in hand, and no disturbances have been reported. The attitude of the tribes in the outlying districts of the country has still to be ascertained.
Various arrests have been made in connection with the late Amir's murder, but reliable information is still lacking as to the motives of the crime and the persons implicated. The present relations between Amanulla and Nasrulla are not very clear; nor is it apparent what attitude the late Amir's eldest son, Sardar Inayatulla Khan, who is stated to have waived his own claims in Nasrulla's favour immediately after his father's death, has adopted towards his brother's succession.
The Secretary of State would add that by the death of the late Amir, Habibulla Khan, the British people have lost a true friend, who was not found wanting in the hour of trial. His policy and attitude during the War were of the utmost service to the Allied cause. Having pledged himself at the outset to remain neutral, he adhered resolutely to this policy throughout, in spite of all the inducements held out to him by our enemies. His untimely death is deeply to be regretted on every account.