HC Deb 17 July 1879 vol 248 cc623-4
MR. SULLIVAN

asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will lay upon the Table, as promised, the instructions issued to Sir Garnet Wolseley on his appointment to command in South Africa, especially with regard to acceptable terms of peace?

COLONEL STANLEY

I am unable to comply with the request of the hon. and learned Gentleman, for the simple reason that there are no such instructions. The only instructions given by me or the military authorities to Sir Garnet Wolseley were verbal, and they were simply to this effect, as I believe I have stated once before—he was desired to use every effort to bring the war to a successful close as early as possible and to insure an honourable peace.

MR. SULLIVAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he has any objection to lay on the Table the instructions to Sir Garnet Wolseley, which it was stated at the time would be printed as soon as circumstances would permit?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Sir, there was a letter containing general instructions sent to Sir Garnet Wolseley with his commissions, which will be laid on the Table before the Vote of Credit is taken.