HC Deb 18 July 1881 vol 263 c1136
MR. SUMMERS

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Her Majesty's Government will consider whether the time has not arrived when Langalibalele might be justly and safely permitted to return to Natal?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, it is quite correct to suppose that my noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies was desirous to have ordered the release of Langalibalele; but the very serious dangers which have arisen from complications with the Natives have forced him to the conclusion that it would not be prudent to order him to be set free until a more settled state of affairs arises. The particular district to which this Chief belongs has not been agitated, but it is the neighbourhood of those which have been agitated, and, therefore, the Secretary of State for the Colonies could not assume the responsibility of setting him free; but he very heartily desires the arrival of a time when such a step could be taken.