§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Unyabelu (commonly called Mapoch), who is now besieged and refused all terms by the Boers, is the same chief who, during the Transvaal War in 1881, at the request of Lieutenant Long, the British officer in command, advanced with a force of several thousand men to the relief of Lydenburgh, then hard pressed by the Boors; and, if so, what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to protect their ally from ruin and death?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYIt is not a fact that Mapoch, in 1881, advanced to the relief of the British troops. No doubt, he made offers of his assistance; but they were not availed of. Indeed, the hon. Member must know that it was contrary to the principles and policy adopted by the Government at the time to use any Native levies or allies in their operations against the Boers. Our information does not corroborate the statement of the hon. Member that this Chief is "refused all terms" by the Boers. He is within the Transvaal Borders, and Her Majesty's Government see no reason for their interference.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAm I to understand the hon. Gentleman to deny the statement that Lieutenant Long asked for assistance from Mapoch?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes; I do deny the statement. Mapoch offered the assistance of 500 men, which was not accepted.