HC Deb 14 June 1883 vol 280 cc557-9
SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is now able to state whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to propose a Vote in Supply for the purpose described in his Notice of Motion, of "making adequate provision for the interests" of any South African Chief "who may have just claims on them;" whether he can inform the House of the course which Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue with respect to the Transvaal Convention and Basutoland; and, whether he can now fix a day for the Debate on South Africa?

MR. GLADSTONE

This Question embraces three different subjects, and I will take the second of them first—that is to say, whether I can inform the House of the course which Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue with respect to the Transvaal Convention and Basutoland. When I last addressed the House on this subject I stated that the views of the Government, so far as they were at present developed, had been embodied in a despatch which was on the eve of being sent to South Africa. Since that time the Earl of Derby has had the opportunity of communicating with a Member of the South African Government (Mr. Merriman), who is now in this country, and has taken the opportunity of expressing more fully his views in the contents of that despatch. The despatch will probably go by mail to-morrow. The Basutoland question, being in what I may call so active a state, will occupy the attention of the Lord High Commissioner, or the Acting High Commissioner at present, and will prevent him from undertaking duties at a greater distance connected with the present state of affairs in South Africa. Her Majesty's Government, therefore, with reference to the question of the Transvaal Convention, have determined to advise the sending out of a Special Commissioner to South Africa. The business of that Special Commissioner will be to consider our present relations with the Transvaal Government, and the terms and conditions of the Convention, now that they have been illustrated by the working of a certain time, and by the experience thus afforded. The functions of the Special Commissioner will, of necessity, bring within his view the state of Bechuanaland, which it will be his duty to consider in concert with the High Commissioner at Cape Town. The right hon. Baronet and the House will have observed in the newspapers certain telegraphic communications within the last few days to the effect that Mankoroane has signed a Petition, together with his Councillors, praying for annexation to the Cape of Good Hope. That, of course, opens up a very important question. We are not informed at present that any definite resolution has been taken by the Government of the Cape; but still we have certain preliminary information which leads us to believe—though I cannot say the proposition will be accepted by the Cape—that it is probable it will be entertained. These are matters of great importance with respect to the future. I trust that in the course of a few days I shall be able to state to the House who the Commissioner we propose to send out will be. Under those circumstances, I have no answer to give with regard to any Vote in Supply, or with reference to any possible demand that may have arisen under certain circumstances in South Africa; nor can I suggest or advise anything at the present time with regard to a debate on the subject; but, of course, I am aware of the engagement made by the Government, and I do not at all say that that engagement should not be fulfilled.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

Will the despatch which the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned be laid upon the Table; also the instructions to the Special Commissioner?

MR. GLADSTONE

The instructions to the Special Commissioner are not yet prepared; but, of course, they will be laid on the Table, and, I hope, on an early day. But I will take the opportunity of considering the matter with my Colleagues. With regard to the Basutoland despatch, I will also consider what shall be clone. My own impression is that, considering that this is not a matter dependent on our own will exclusively, but a rather complex matter, which we have to conduct, in a certain sense, with the Government of the Cape, it is very doubtful whether that despatch should, in the first stage, be laid on the Table before it has been received and acted upon at the Cape.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I will repeat my Question at a later date.