HC Deb 09 February 1880 vol 250 cc265-6
SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the rules concerning newspaper correspondents with British armies in the field, published during the recess, are to be looked upon as being still in force?

COLONEL STANLEY

Sir, as a matter of fact, I believe that the rules to which the hon. Baronet refers are not in force; but it is not a fact which comes under my own personal observation. No rules have been published by my authority, and, as a matter of fact, neither in relation to the Afghan nor the Zulu War have any rules been laid down in reference to correspondents in the field.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I should like to ask a further Question. I presume the right hon. and gallant Gentleman saw the rules prepared in India, and which were, I am informed, published by the Indian Government on the authority of the Secretary of State for War?

COLONEL STANLEY

Sir, if I am in Order in doing so, I should like to put the matter straight. The only Paper relating to the subject of which I am aware is a Memorandum drawn up by some officers after the Russo-Turkish. War with regard to the duties of correspondents in the field. That Memorandum was drawn up for the purpose of discussion, and as a possible basis for proceeding hereafter. It was provisionally approved by the Commander-in-Chief and by myself to the extent that a certain number of copies should be printed. These copies were printed in the usual way by the Intelligence Department; but no rules have been issued on the matter. I understand that, application being made from India for copies of the Paper, as applications not unfrequently are for Papers on other subjects, a copy or copies of the Paper were forwarded to the authorities in India; but, as I have said, no rules have been issued by me, and, if I am in Order in saying so, I do not consider that any such rules could be issued except with very considerable modification.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

gave Notice of his intention to put a Question on the subject to the Under Secretary of State for India.