HC Deb 13 March 1882 vol 267 cc762-3
MR. COURTNEY

Before the Orders of the Day are read I wish to inform the House that the following has been received from Sir Hercules Robinson by telegraph:— 12th.—Yours 11th. On 27th February, Rutherford, in absence of Hudson, reported as follows:—' General Joubert, with 60 mounted police, left some days ago to coerce Skalafyn, a Kaffir Chief, residing within Transvaal territory, on the western borders, who had given trouble, and raised wall defences. Meanwhile, Skalafyn had come to Pretoria by another route, and given explanation to the Government which had led to instructions being sent after Joubort to stay proceedings, subject to Skalafyn paying expenses of expedition, which he had promised to do. There had been extensive commandeering in Potchefstroom, and a large number had left the district to follow Joubert; but it is understood all will be recalled.' On 6th March Rutherford reported having received on 3rd a letter from Government, stating that affairs on the west border continued unchanged; within Transvaal line all quiet, but outside daily fighting and bloodshed, and Government apprehended conflict will extend and last long. The telegram contains some observations on the possible mode of dealing with the difficulty, which it would be premature to mention at present; but I may state that Sir Hercules Robinson adds, on his own part, that the Transvaal Government seem doing what they can to maintain the neutrality of their territory.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked whether the fighting and bloodshed in- side the Transvaal borders was caused by the leader of the Boers having previously attacked the Natives outside the borders?

MR. COURTNEY

No, Sir; the two things are distinct.