§ SIR ROBERT PEELasked Her Majesty's Government, Whether it is true, as reported in the "Times" newspaper, that a message was transmitted by the Secretary of State for War, on the receipt in this country of the telegraphic intelligence of the grave military disaster at Isandula, and before Lord Chelmsford's Despatch upon that unfortunate affair had been received, and while the Court of Inquiry was still pending, expressing entire confidence in Lord Chelmsford as Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in South Africa; and, whether that message of confidence received the sanction of Her Majesty's Government and of the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief, His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge?
§ COLONEL STANLEYSir, I did not see the report to which the hon. Baronet refers in The Times newspaper; but, as I have already stated, it is true that a message was transmitted by me on the receipt in this country of the telegraphic intelligence of the great disaster at 1159 Isandula. That message was transmitted on the very day or the day following my receipt of Lord Chelmsford's telegraphic message; therefore, of course, it was before his Despatch was received and before the Court of Inquiry had framed their Report. That message was one, as I have already stated, of personal sympathy and of confidence, and I am not aware that it contained any reference to Lord Chelmsford in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces. I repeat that that message of confidence was forwarded by me. I did not think it necessary to consult my Colleagues on the matter, and I am responsible for having thought it consistent with my duty to transmit that message.