HC Deb 29 June 1883 vol 280 cc1868-9
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Unyabelu (called Mapoch) is now beseiged and hard pressed by the Boers; whether having sent to ask a promise that he should not be hanged in case of surrender, the Boers have refused to accept anything but an unconditional surrender; whether this same chieftain during the Transvaal War, when the British garrison of Lydenburgh wore hard pressed, set out with several thousand men, at the request of Captain Ritter of the Border Police, and was only prevented from attacking the Boors by the news of the Capitulation; and, whether, after these offered services, Her Majesty's Government will not at least intercede with the Boers for the life of their friend? The hon. Member added, that he thought he ought to state that the information referred to in the third paragraph of the Question came from Downing Street.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Sir, we know Mapoch is besieged; but how far he is hard pressed is uncertain. We have no official information as to the second Question. The third Question I have already twice answered to the hon. Member, and I do not think the observation of the hon. Member calls for any further remark.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Is it true?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

As to the fourth Question, all I can say is that I hope, as I believe, that unless murder is proved against Mapoch, the Transvaal Government would not make him forfeit his life should he fall into their hands; but without fuller information the Government do not propose to make representations in the matter.

MR. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT

As the hon. Gentleman says the Government has no information, and, as far as I can make out, they do not intend to ask for any, I should like to ask, do they intend to wait until this unfortunate man is hanged before they do anything, as was the case with Suleiman Sami?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

No, Sir; if we take any steps we shall not wait till he is hanged.

Afterwards,

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked whether the facts stated in the third paragraph of his Question were not accurate?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, he had twice supplied the hon. Member with the facts in regard to Mapoch's offer of assistance to the British troops. Captain Ritter, of the Border Police, no doubt communicated with Mapoch, inquiring if he would come to the assistance of the besieged British troops, and Mapoch expressed his willingness to do so. But whether the action of Captain Ritter would have been sanctioned by his superiors, the hon. Member must be left to judge, seeing that Mapoch's offer of assistance had been refused previously by superior officers. There was no information that Mapoch had started for the relief of Lydenburgh. It was not likely he had done so, because 48 hours after the communication referred to came the news of the cessation of hostilities.