§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any official information as to the proceedings now being taken by Sir Charles Warren in Bechuanaland for inquiring into the murder of British subjects in that territory, as well as for the punishment of the murderers; and, whether he will inform the House what is the nature of the difference between Sir Charles Warren and Mr. Upington, the Cape Prime Minister; and what jurisdiction the latter has in Bechuanaland?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYOur information as to the proceedings referred to is but scanty. In the case of the murder of the man called Honey, we understand that the inquiry as to Mr. Niekerk's guilt is still proceeding. In the case of the murder of Mr. Bethell, all we know is that Sir Charles Warren introduced the subject at his interview with President Kruger, and that the latter promised that he would help him to the best of his power, so far as the law would allow. As to the second part of the Question, we do not understand that Mr. Upington is at present in any way interfering with the affairs of Bechuanaland, beyond giving to the High Commissioner his opinion as Attorney General when requested to do so.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked whether, in view of the serious differences that had arisen between Sir Hercules Robinson and Sir Charles Warren, Her Majesty's Government were not able now distinctly to state that they would support Sir Charles Warren in the valuable work he was doing?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYI demur to the expression "serious differences," 843 and would refer the hon. Member to an answer given yesterday in "another place" by my noble Friend the Secretary of State.