HC Deb 10 September 1886 vol 309 c17
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have made a fresh annexation of native territory in South Africa to the Cape Colony, and on what ground; and, whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to make over to the Cape Government (without representation) Pondos and Xesibes near the coast, while tracts in the interior not accessible from the sea are held by the British Government?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

Yes, Sir; it is true that the Xesibe country has been annexed. During this year the relations between the Xesibes and the Pondos being very strained, it was represented to Lord Granville by the Cape Ministry, the Cape Parliament, the Acting Governor, and by Sir Hercules Robinson that the formal annexation of the country to the Cape Colony was expedient, and would promote the chances of a peaceful settlement of existing difficulties. Lord Granville adopted that advice, and recommended Her Majesty to effect an annexation which was highly acceptable to the Xesibes. To the second Question my answer is that the subject of representation in the Transkei districts has been recently under cousideration; but no action has yet been taken.