HC Deb 09 July 1883 vol 281 c781
MR. W. E. FORSTER

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Government have any information with regard to a statement in the "Cape Argus" of June 12th, that two hundred refugees from Mapoch's stronghold have been allotted to the farmers; and, if not, whether, taking into account the fact that the "Capo Argus" is a highly respectable journal with good means of obtaining information, and that "allotting" men to farmers is generally understood to mean subjecting them to forced labour, the Government will take immediate steps to inquire into the correctness of this statement, and, if necessary, to secure the fulfilment of the fifteenth Article of the Pretoria Convention of 1881, which declares that— The Provisions of the fourth Article of the Sand River Convention are hereby re-affirmed, and no slavery or apprenticeship partaking of slavery will he tolerated by the Government of the Transvaal?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Sir, I hold in my hand a copy of The Cape Argus; but I cannot find any paragraph of the nature referred to by my right hon. Friend.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Has my hon. Friend referred to the weekly supplement? He has, perhaps, seen the wrong paper.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

I may, however, say that in consequence of my right hon. Friend having called attention to this matter we have written an inquiry to the officer administering the Cape Government, and instructing him, if the report proves to be true, to direct that the attention of the Transvaal Government may, through the Resident, be called to the 15th Article of the Pretoria Convention.