HC Deb 27 June 1882 vol 271 cc540-2
MR. DAWNAY

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the visit of Cetewayo to England has been decided on with or against the advice of Sir Henry Bulwer; and, if with his advice, whether he can state the reasons that have induced Sir Henry Bulwer to thus alter the very strong expression of opinion contained in his letter of 13th May, published as Letter No. 90, in the Blue Book lately issued containing the correspondence relating to the affairs of Natal and Zululand, in which he advises the postponement of the de- parture of the ex-King for England until some definite decision has been arrived at with regard to the future of the Zulu country, and comments on the unfair use which had already been made of the permission given by Her Majesty's Government to Cetewayo to go to England for purposes of intrigue in Zululand, with the object of forcing the situation in favour of the ex-King's restoration, and in which he mentions the great uneasiness produced in the minds of the Zulu people by this agitation on the part of the ex-King's brothers, and their uncertainty as to the intention of the English Government, and declares that he cannot shut his eyes to the consequences likely to result from the departure of the ex-King to England, and from the further agitation to which he feared it would give occasion, owing to the ill-use that would be made of the event by the party under Undabuko; and, whether the Government have come to that definite decision as to the future of the Zulu country that Sir Henry Bulwer then declared would alone excuse the permitting Cetewayo to visit England?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

I am glad the hon. Member has given me an opportunity to put before the House the substance of the telegraphic communication which passed between the Colonial Office and Sir Henry Bulwer, because one report of what I said last night in reply to the right hon. Gentleman opposite (Sir Michael Hicks-Beach) was so inaccurate as to appear as if I had strained Sir Henry Bulwer's views so as to place upon him some of the responsibility which the Government is quite ready to assume. The following is the substance of the telegrams:— Secretary of State to Sir Henry Bulwer. June 21.—The delay of Cetewayo's visit to England does not appear to have averted disturbances in Zululand, and it is not easy to justify further postponement, especially as the favourable season will soon he over. We think that the promise to him should be fulfilled, and that his visit should take place without further delay, unless you see any urgent reason to the contrary. Sir Henry Bulwer to Secretary of State. June 23.—The disturbances in Zululand are caused by agitation, which is the result of interference by persons in this Colony who desire to see the ex-King restored. What has taken place respecting Cetewayo has been used in a way that stirs up agitation. But if Her Majesty's Government think it necessary, for the reason given by your Lordship, not to further delay the visit, I do not wish to oppose. It should be understood that it does not in any way commit us as to the course to be adopted in regard to Zululand. Secretary of State to Sir Hercules Robinson. June 23.—After communication with Sir Henry Bulwer, have decided not to postpone further Cetewayo's visit. He may, therefore, start whenever ready. Remind him that visit no way commits us as to future course respecting Zululand. What, among other things, has pressed on Her Majesty's Government, is the danger to Cetewayo's life owing to his disappointment at the promise not being kept in good faith, and the fact that, as Sir Henry Bulwer cannot send in his Report for some little time, and it will then have to be fully considered before any definite decision can be arrived at as to the future of Zululand, it would have been altogether too late were that final decision waited for before allowing Cetewayo to make his appointed visit.

MR. GORST

Does the hon. Gentleman expect that Sir Henry Bulwer's Report will be received before the close of the Session?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

I hope so.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

inquired whether Her Majesty's Government had received any information as to the disturbances that had occurred in Zululand? He had understood the hon. Member to say that no disturbances had taken place there.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, he had never denied that there were disturbances; but had only said that the Government had no information about any actual fighting, and that he did not believe there had been any. No doubt there had been large gatherings of Native Tribes. They had only telegraphic communications, several of which he had read to the House.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

gave Notice that if the Government did not lay all the Papers relating to this matter upon the Table he should move for them.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, he had no doubt they would be able to lay them on the Table.