HC Deb 07 July 1879 vol 247 cc1720-1
MR. RICHARD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give any information to the House as to the peace negotiations which, according to the latest intelligence from Natal, were going on between Lord Chelmsford and the Zulus; whether he is able to communicate to the House the terms of the ultimatum sent to Cetewayo; and, whether those terms are in accordance with the instructions given to Sir Garnet Wolseley?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

The latest information that I can give to the House is contained in a telegram from Lord Chelmsford to Sir Bartle Frere, dated June 6th. The telegram is as follows:— Telegram from Lord Chelmsford to Sir Bartle Frere, 6th June. Cetywayo's messengers left to-day with following message:—He must at once give proof of being in earnest in desiring peace. Proof to be— 1st, two 7-pounder guns and the oxen now with him, taken from us, to be sent in with the Ambassadors; 2nd, a promise from Cetywayo that all the arms taken during the war, &c., when collected, shall be given up; 3rd, one regiment to come to my camp and lay down its arms, as a sign of submission. Pending Cetywayo's answer there will be no military operations on our part. When he has complied with them I will order cessation of hostilities pending discussion of final terms of peace. With regard to the last Question of the hon. Member, Sir Garnet Wolseley is invested with full discretion on such a matter as this, subject, of course, to the directions which he has received from Her Majesty's Government, which were that it should be his first duty on arrival to examine carefully such overtures as might purport to come from the Zulu King, and encourage any bonâ fide proposals which might afford a reasonable prospect of a satisfactory peace.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

When was that telegram received?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

I think on Friday.

MR. SULLIVAN

I wish to ask, in connection with these guarantees which Cetewayo is asked to give of his being desirous to effect peace, Whether our troops and our commanders are to give any guarantees as to their desire to make peace?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

I am afraid that I have given the House all the information that I possess.

MR. COURTNEY

With reference to the statement that no hostilities will be carried on until an answer has been received, the right hon. Gentleman did not mention whether there was any limit as to time?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

I have no information upon that point.