§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, if it prove to be the fact that Cetewayo has been compelled to seek British protection in the Reserved Territory, Her Majesty's Government will direct that measures shall be taken to prevent him or his adherents from recommencing war, or using the Reserved Territory as a basis for fresh agitation or military operations in Zulu-land? The right hon. Gentleman added:—I should like to say that I hope this will not be treated as a hypothetical Question. The suggestions I make are only too probable; and I trust we may hear that Her Majesty's Government do not intend to incur the responsibility of doing nothing to prevent the recurrence of bloodshed in Zululand.
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYWhether the right hon. Gentleman regards this Question as a hypothetical one or not, it does not alter the fact that it is hypothetical, and that it is put in a hypothetical form. Events in Zululand have, no doubt, taken a new and unexpected turn during the last few days. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we only had information recently; and it is impossible at three hours' Notice, and in 64 the absence of positive information as to Cetewayo's movements, to say what will be the action of the Government beyond the maintenance of order in the Re-serve.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI feel that three hours' Notice is not long, and I shall repeat the Question another day; but I may remind the hon. Member that prompt action is needed if anything is to be done.