Lord Hartington gave a satisfactory reply on Monday to Mr.
Onslow's question whether the Viceroy wished to grant fresh supplies to Abdul Rahman, or whether, if the Viceroy had not made any such application, the Home Government would propose it. " I have to say," he answered, " that although we have been in constant communication with the Viceroy of India on the subject of the state of affairs in Afghanistan, we have received no information whatever to the effect that Abdul Rahman has made any application either for money, arms, or ammunition. So far as we are aware, it is not the intention of the Government of India to interfere in any way in the contest now proceeding between Abdul Rahman Khan and Ayoob Khan." Of coarse, that virtually answered the question as to whether the Home Government intended to urge such a policy on the Viceroy. If it had been the intention of the Home Government to urge such a policy on the Viceroy, they would have some reason to expect that the Viceroy might adopt that view. As they do not expect him to adopt it, it is clear that they do not mean to prompt him in the matter.
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