§ SIR HENRY HOLLAND (for Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH)asked 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 Zululand?
§ MR. RYLANDSasked if the Under Secretary could at the same time state whether he had any information that Cetewayo was still in his own country collecting his forces, and, according to a telegram published to-day in The Standard, was about to make an attack on Usibepu?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYNo, Sir; we have absolutely no information later than that which I gave to the House a few days ago. I have seen the telegram referred to, but am quite unable to say whether there is any truth in it or not. In the total absence of authentic and positive information of what is the true state of affairs at this moment, I am unable to give any definite answer to the Question which has been put upon the Paper; but I may say this much—that Her Majesty's Government would not view with indifference any attempt to use the Reserved Territory as a basis for military operations.