DR. CAMERONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he can give the House any further information as to Colonel Hooper, the Provost Marshal at Mandalay?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH)Since my answer to my hon. Friend's Question last night, I may tell him that a further communication has reached the Secretary of State from the Viceroy. I am now able to state that the Viceroy's original instructions to General Prendergast of January 23 were, after referring to the facts, as follows:—
I cannot believe the foregoing statement true. In my opinion, if there is any primâ facie evidence against the officers in question, they should be at once suspended, and if guilty they should be subject to the severest penalties at your disposal. I hope you will understand the gravity of the circumstances to which I have called your attention.I may remind the House that the only con- 1039 sequences to the Provost Marshal of Sir Harry Prendergast's action were a censure and the loss of preferment the Provost Marshal would otherwise have received. Lord Dufferin shares Lord Kimberley's dissatisfaction at the results of Sir Harry Prendergast's inquiries. After considering all the circumstances, the Secretary of State has telegraphed to the Viceroy, recommending in the following terms a court martial:—I am of opinion that if your Judge Advocate General advises that charges can be framed against Colonel Hooper steps should be taken accordingly.