§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, In what way, and at whose expense, Her Majesty's Government propose to provide for the Bechuana Chiefs; and where are they to be placed; and, whether the authority of the Transvaal Government, or what authority, is to be recognised over the territory which has hitherto belonged to those Chiefs?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, it is proposed to give small pensions from Imperial funds to Mankoroane and Montsioa, and such other Native Chiefs as may appear to have special claims on this country in consequence of former good services or promises of protection, and to find them locations somewhere in British territory. Sir Hercules Robinson has been desired to report where they can best be placed, and what cost may have to be incurred. Until his Report is received nothing further can be decided. As to the second Question, I can only refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Earl of Derby's despatch of the 27th of January to Sir Hercules Robinson, in which he is informed that the—
Clauses of the alleged Treaty providing for the exercise within the territories in question of jurisdiction by the Transvaal Government cannot be recognized as valid.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHsaid, the hon. Gentleman had not answered the latter part of the Question. He had stated that the Transvaal Government would not be recognized as the authority; he had not stated who was to be.
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYOf course, my answer to that implied the existing authority.