HC Deb 21 August 1883 vol 283 cc1513-4
SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

asked whether Her Majesty's Government had received any information as to the position of Cetewayo; and whether they could state what was the condition of Zululand?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Yes, Sir; we have received information that Cetewayo and some of his brothers are located in the Reserve Territory. When the right hon. Gentleman speaks of Zululand I suppose he means Zululand proper. We have no further intelligence a" to its condition.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Another Question arises out of that reply. The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies stated the other day that the Government would not view with indifference any action on the part of Cetewayo to use the Reserve Territory as a basis for operations in Zululand; and I wish to ask whether any directions have been sent out to South Africa, or steps taken in order to show that the Government will put a stop to any such attempts?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, Sir; I will not say that directions have actually gone; but they are in course of preparation, and will be sent.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Will they be laid upon the Table?

MR. GLADSTONE

They can hardly be presented separately from the Papers that have preceded and will follow them. But they will contain nothing which can ultimately be considered of a confidential character.