Mr. THOMAS(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the attitude which His Majesty's Government propose to adopt in relation to the present disturbances in Afghanistan?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Government have no intention of interfering in the internal affaire of 916 Afghanistan by supporting or assisting any of the parties at present contending for power in that country. They earnestly desire the establishment of a strong central Government, and they will be prepared, when this Government is established, to show their friendship for the Afghan people by giving it such assistance as they can in the reconstruction and development of the country. King Amanulla has formally announced his abdication to His Majesty's Government, and consequently, until it is clear that in spite of this abdication he is regarded as their King by the people of Afghanistan generally, His Majesty's Government are unable to regard his Government as the rightful Afghan Government.