§ VISCOUNT CROSSsaid, that seeing the Under Secretary of State for India in his place, he wished to ask him whether he could give the House any further information about the movements in Chitral.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord REAY)Chitral is a State under British protection, being tributary to Kashmir, and is the residence of a British agent. In consequence of recent troubles in Chitral, and in response to a request for recognition from the de facto ruler, Dr. Robertson, the political officer at Gilgit, was sent in January to Chitral to inquire and report. Since then Umra Khan, the ruler of some neighbouring Pathan States, has invaded Chitral with a large force, and is believed to be now investing Dr. Robertson and his escort in the Chitral fort. Considering the urgent necessity for relieving Dr. Robertson without delay, the Government of India have summoned Umra Khan to evacuate Chitral by the 1st of April, and in view of the possibility of his refusual are preparing a force to march from Peshawur on that date. The Government of India state that they consider no other method of relief to be possible; they have duly notified to the Secretary of State the measures which they propose to take, and they have been informed by him that the steps which they deem necessary for the relief of Dr. Robertson and his party have his full approval.