§ 9. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has received from Afghanistan, and, if so, when, a request for a cessation of hostilities; and when such information was communicated to London by the Indian Government?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would refer the hon. Member to the official statement on the subject which was published in yesterday's papers I can add nothing to it.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask for an answer to the latter part of the question: When the news got through from India, and whether it was delayed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Gentleman is aware that there are great difficulties attending the dispatch of telegrams to and from India. There are all sorts of interruptions and difficulties on the lines, and congestion. As I stated in the official communiqué published yesterday, I re-received the report of the cessation of hostilities on 18th May.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAnd it was not published until the day before yesterday?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt was held up until the full text was received; it is obvious that that was a question of no importance. It contained no genuine demand. It was based on an allegation of transparent untruth. It could not in any case be taken seriously.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWas the right hon. Gentleman consulted as to the refusal of this report before it was refused to India?. … No answer from the right hon. Gentleman?