§ MR. COURTNEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether there was any truth in the statement made in a Reuter's telegram, published that morning, to the effect that Sir Bartle Frere had addressed an ultimatum to the King of the Zulus; and, if so, whether the right hon. Gentleman could give any information as to the nature of that ultimatum?
§ MR. WHITWELLasked, If there was no truth in the report, what were the present relations between the King of the Zulus and the Government of South Africa?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe present state of our relations with the Zulus is undoubtedly threatening, but not, I hope, quite of the nature that might be assumed from the telegram which has been referred to by the hon. Member. The last telegram which I received from Sir Bartle Frere was as follows, dated November 19:—
We have desired Cetywayo to summon his councillors and send proper persons to receive the award regarding the disputed territory, and further communications regarding our future relations.That, I think, must be the message which is described in The Times telegram of November 26 as an ultimatum. So far from bearing the character ordinarily attached to that term, I think there is good reason to hope that it may lead to a peaceful settlement of the questions at 859 issue; but this, of course, greatly depends on the disposition of the Zulu King.