MR. JAMESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is the case that an interview between Sir Theophilus Shepstone and the Envoys of Cetewayo took place on the Zulu frontier on the 19th of October 1877; if so, whether any despatches are in the possession of Her Majesty's Government stating the substance of the proceedings between Sir Theophilus and the Envoys on that occasion, and whether they can be laid before Parliament?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, the despatches relating to the interview alluded, to by the hon. Member arrived last spring, I think, and were marked "Confidential." I did not think it desirable to produce them at the time, because they related to a question then still pending before the Boundary Com- 1511 mission appointed by the Natal Government; and it seemed better that the production of the Papers on the subject should be delayed until after the award had been pronounced by the High Commissioner. That objection does not now exist; and the despatches will be presented among the forthcoming Papers.