§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, What is the number of the Police Force which has been put under the orders of Colonel Clarke to enable him to carry out the instructiens given him by Lord Derby, in his Despatch of January 25th 1884, appointing him Resident Commissioner in Basutoland, and instructing him to protect life and property, and to maintain order on the border; what is the area of Basutoland; what is the length of the border line between Basutoland and the Orange Free State; and, whether any representations have been made by the Government of the Orange Free State with reference to the Force needed to maintain order on the border, in fulfilment of the terms of the Treaty of Aliwal North?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe police force in Basutoland, under Colonel Clarke, consists of 13 officers—of whom four are Natives—and 146 men. The area of Basutoland is 10,293 square miles, and the length of the Border line between Basutoland and the Orange Free State is, I believe, about 200 miles. It is a fact that Sir John Brand in last July represented that, in his opinion, Colonel Clarke's force was insufficient; but I may remind my right hon. Friend that this was at a moment when there was an abnormal excitement and disturbance connected with the attack of Moroks on Sepinare, within the borders of the Free State, and since this is over complaints have subsided. I may add that Colonel Clarke did not share the opinion of Sir John Brand, and has not asked for more police than the number granted to him.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked whether this force had been under Colonel Clarke's orders for some time?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes, Sir; from the time he went to Basutoland.