HC Deb 25 March 1879 vol 244 cc1700-1
MR. ERNEST NOEL

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the Government have received any communications from Sir Bartle Frere of a later date than those which have been already published; and, if so, whether Sir Bartle Frere has given expression to his opinion, as mentioned by Lord Chelmsford, that it would be desirable an officer should be sent out who would be fitted to succeed him as High Commissioner of South Africa?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Sir, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to answer the Question. Some time back a private and confidential telegram was sent to me by Sir Bartle Frere, which I presume is the expression of concurrence mentioned by Lord Chelmsford in his opinion that an officer of the rank of Major General should be sent out to Africa without delay. I think I should be justified in reading that telegram to the House, as Sir Bartle Frere's views on the matter have been somewhat misrepresented, and it clearly shows what they were. It is to this effect, dated January 28— Late events have impressed me with the great risks we rim should anything happen to Lord Chelmsford. He is very strong, but much exposed to danger, and we should stand still if he were to knock up. There ought to be at hand a second in command, capable of taking up his work in all departments, if necessary, as Provisional Governor and High Commissioner, as well as General. The House is aware that it is customary in South Africa to name the General commanding the troops as Lieutenant Governor of the Cape Colony, so as to provide for a temporary absence or incapacity of the Governor; and, for the same reason, Lord Chelmsford holds a dormant commission as High Commissioner. I may add that I have received no official communication on this subject from Sir Bartle Frere.

COLONEL MURE

May I ask, Whether any officer has been sent out in that capacity—whether any special officer has been sent out with the view of taking Lord Chelmsford's place, in the event of that being required, and also of taking the place of the High Commissioner, in the event of that being needed?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Sir, the hon. and gallant Member is surely aware that four Major Generals have been sent out. The senior of these officers would naturally be the officer to be selected.

MR. OTWAY

With regard to the four Major Generals who have been sent out to the Cape, I should like to ask, Is it not the fact, that the appointment of the officers to exercise the offices which may become void through the illness or disability of Lord Chelmsford, would be made by the War Department upon the recommendation of the Horse Guards, and altogether independent of any other Department?

COLONEL STANLEY

Sir, I think I must ask, so far as any arrangement of that sort is concerned, that the hon. Member should give me Notice of his Question. But I think the simple answer is that which has been given by my right hon. Friend (Sir Michael Hicks-Beach). Four officers of the rank of Major General have been sent out to assist Lord Chelmsford. They are at his absolute disposal; and, in the event of any casualty taking place, the command will devolve upon the senior officer, in accordance with the custom of the Service.