HC Deb 24 March 1881 vol 259 cc1818-21
MR. GRANTHAM

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If any provision has been made, in the instructions sent out to our Commissioners in the Transvaal for the settlement of the terms of peace or future government of the Country, for the protection of the interests of those British subjects who have either bought land or advanced money on land in the Transvaal, in consequence of its having been annexed to the British Crown?

MR. GLADSTONE

With respect to this Question, and several other Questions of substantially the same character, I have to say that we have no information, except what is contained in the telegrams; but of these telegrams a portion has arrived since those now in the hands of hon. Members were printed, and they will be immediately laid on the Table of the House. Therefore, all I have to do is to refer hon. Gentlemen to documents, which are public documents, and, in a very few words, to advert to the subject. Hon. Members will have an opportunity of judging more fully for themselves when the telegrams are circulated. On this subject a telegram has arrived to-day from Sir Evelyn Wood. In this telegram it is stated that it has been also agreed that there should be no molestation for political opinion on either side. That is a rather more succinct reference to a passage in a telegram from Lord Kimberley; and I have no doubt that is all that will be required in the case.

MR. GRANTHAM

said, his Question referred especially to the protection of British subjects.

MR. GLADSTONE

When the hon. Member sees the telegrams that are to be put into print to-night, and will be in the hands of hon. Members to-morrow morning, he will see that this is an answer to an instruction of Lord Kimberley's, a little fuller in its terms, but substantially corresponding with it.

CAPTAIN AYLMER

asked, If the House is to understand that the terms of peace with the Boers preclude the Military Authorities in South Africa from supplying the detachments of British Troops in the Transvaal with such munitions of war as may be necessary to render them efficient; and, if so, whether the Government will withdraw them from such an equivocal position?

MR. GLADSTONE

This Question refers to a telegram of Sir Evelyn Wood, in which he says, at the close of one of the sentences, that it was after, and in consideration of the engagement made by the Boers that he had given certain promises, one of which was that he would not send ammunition into the Transvaal. We have no further information on the subject. The sending of ammunition has not been dealt with in any previous telegram; but as Sir Evelyn Wood gave that engagement, we make no doubt he lead perfectly satisfied himself that the garrisons in the Transvaal had ammunition amply sufficient for their wants.

MR. MURRAY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in the terms agreed to by Sir Evelyn Wood and by the Boer leaders, the latter have conceded to Her Majesty the right to move her forces freely and without delay over all portions of her territory in Natal?

MR. GLADSTONE

With regard to this Question, here again is a reference to a passage in a telegram now in the hands of the hon. Member, but which was probably not in his hands when he put the Question on the Paper. That is the telegram in which Sir Evelyn Wood, having received certain promises from the Boers, promised on our part that he would not do certain things—that he would not take possession of a fresh position, nor follow them up with troops. Her Majesty's Government have no doubt whatever of the meaning of these words, though they are not in possession of any official comment on them. They mean that Sir Evelyn Wood promised to abstain from anything which, in its natural construction, would wear the appearance of a hostile military operation when the Boers agreed to disperse.

MR. MURRAY

Will Laing's Nek remain in the possession of Her Majesty?

MR. GLADSTONE

Beyond all doubt it will be abandoned by the Boers and be in possession of Her Majesty. Perhaps I may be allowed one word of explanation. The hon. Member will see that it would be a matter of some difficulty for Her Majesty's Government, while the matter was pending, to recognize any distinction between the country on the one side of the Natal Border and the country on the other, inasmuch as, in point of fact, they will be under British law, and both in the same position.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he will be good enough to state what will be the position and functions of Sir Frederick Roberts under the recent arrangement with the Boers?

MR. GLADSTONE

The position of Sir Frederick Roberts after what has taken place will be best explained by my reading telegrams which have been sent to him. Lord Kimberley has sent to Sir Frederick Roberts the following telegram:— You will receive Mr. Childers' telegram that it is not considered necessary for you to proceed to Natal to take the command of troops. This will render it unnecessary for you to proceed thither to assume civil government. I have only to express my thanks to you for the promptitude with which you undertook the important duties which you would have discharged under this department. The following telegram was also sent by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to the General commanding at the Cape of Good Hope:— Please hand following telegram to Sir Frederick Roberts on arrival. Peace having been concluded with the Boers, Government have determined to bring back greater part of the reinforcements on the way. While highly appreciating the readiness with which, at much personal inconvenience, you accepted the command, they do not now think it necessary that you should go on to Natal. Sir E. Wood will be left in command for the present. You had better return direct by mail steamer after such rest as you wish to take. I can testify that any gentleman returning from the Cape by mail steamer, if he is fortunate in the circumstance of weather, is likely to have a very pleasant voyage. The telegram proceeds— Your staff, including General Newdigate, should also return. I will ask General Leicester Smyth to let you know all the arrangements we are making as to the disposition of the troops. As, in the reading of that telegram, I have had to refer to the recall of certain reinforcements, I will read a portion of the contents of a telegram which has also been sent by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War yesterday to Major General Sir Evelyn Wood— Pending final settlement under Commissioners' action, force now in Natal and Transvaal will not be reduced in strength, though reliefs may be made. Garrison at Cape will be strengthened by an additional battalion, and artillery ammunition column will be landed there to await orders.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

I wish to know whether it follows, as a matter of fact, that the Commission sent out appointing Sir Frederick Roberts as Governor of Natal and the Transvaal, and High Commissioner for that part of South Africa, is at an end, and that things revert to their former state?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes; that is the obvious effect of the telegram of my noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.