HL Deb 30 March 1905 vol 143 c1651
LORD REAY

My Lords, seeing the Under-Secretary of State for India in his place, I wish to ask him the following Questions, of which I have given him private notice: (1) has the Dane Mission left Cabul, as stated in the public Press; (2) has an Agreement been concluded with His Highness the Ameer of Afghanistan; (3) can the noble Marquess indicate the general purport of that Agreement; (4) will any Papers be laid on the Table of the House with reference to these negotiations.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (The Marquess of BATH)

My Lords, the Ameer and Mr. Dane have signed an Agreement which is in confirmation of the Agreement which existed between the British Government and the late Ameer. This Agreement will be laid on the Table as soon as its precise terms reach us from India. I believe that Mr. Dane with his Mission has left Afghanistan, and is due to arrive in India on April 8th.

LORD REAY

Can the noble Marquess give any general indication of the contents of the Agreement?

THE MARQUESS OF BATH

It is in confirmation of the Agreements which existed between the British Government and the late Ameer.

THE MARQUESS OF RIPON

It does not go beyond that?

THE MARQUESS OF BATH

No, I do not think it does.