§ MR. CHAMBERLAINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is true as stated in the "Times" of February 20th, that the disarmament of the Basutos is at once to be proceeded with, or whether time will be given to Letsen, the paramount chief, to petition the Cape Parliament and Her Majesty?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, I have received no confirmation of the telegram referred to in the Question of the hon. Gentleman. The latest official information which has reached me with reference to the disarmament of the Basutos is contained in a Minute of the Cape Government which was read a few days ago in "another place" by my noble Friend the Under Secretary for the Colonies, and will be included in the South African Papers which will, I hope, be in the hands of hon. Members in the course of this week. I have impressed on the Cape Government, with whom the responsibility for dealing with this question rests, Basutoland having been since 1871 included in the Cape Colony, the desirability of proceeding with great caution in it. I do not doubt that they will do so; and from what I have heard I think it by no means improbable that the Basutos will surrender their arms voluntarily, without the necessity of any Proclamation under the Act of 1878.
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Colonial Secretary at the Cape has stated to Letsen that the Queen and English people approve and desire the disarmament?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI do not remember hearing any confirmation of that statement.