HC Deb 23 May 1881 vol 261 cc1063-4
MR. GORST

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government will take any steps to ascertain the truth or falsehood of the statements that have been publicly made that the Boers of the Transvaal are organising commandos to punish those native tribes which were loyal to the British Government in the last insurrection, and in particular against a chief named Montsuine; and, in the event of the Right honourable gentleman stating that Her Majesty's Government possess information of these facts, what steps it is intended to take to protect Montsuine and other natives from outrage?

MR. GRANT DUFF

Sir, we telegraphed on Saturday to Sir Hercules Robinson, and have received the following reply:— Yours yesterday received. Administrator, Pretoria, heliographed, 11th May, that a field cornet had arrived there preceding night from Potchefstroom district, who stated Boer commando, about 400, proceeded under orders from Kronje, on 8th, to attack Montsioa, between whom and Machabi, other Caffre chief, hostili- ties had been going on. Commission called on Boer leaders for explanation. They said their reports stated that Montsioa had attacked Machabi, and was threatening Lichtenberg, and that Boer commando was simply to defend homes. We at once sent an Imperial officer, Major Ernest Buller, with Piet Joubert, to Potchefstroom, to order Montsioa to keep quiet and commando to disperse. It was arranged that kronje should appear before the Commission to explain proceedings. Montsioa was to be told that Commission would deal with whole question of Keate Award. Governor Sir Hercules Robinson further telegraphs from Newcastle, May 22— Major Buller reports from Potchefstroom that rumours as to Boer commando against Montsioa much exaggerated, and no forward movement made.

MR. GORST

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman had any information about the reported slaughtering of 70 Caffres?

MR. GRANT DUFF

The telegrams which I have read contain all the information that has reached me.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Will any information be forthcoming shortly about this matter? It is important that we should know the attitude of the Government in connection with these proceedings.

MR. GRANT DUFF

If the right hon. Gentleman gives Notice of any Question it will, of course, be carefully attended to.