§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether concessions have been given to land between the Shashi and Macloutsie Rivers by Khama, Chief of the Bamangwata, one of our protected Chiefs, and also by Lobengula, King of the Matabeles; and, whether, in the event of war taking place between Khama and Lobengula, the Government will interfere?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST)(who replied) said (Chatham)It is apparently true that both Khama and Lobengula have granted concessions in the debatable country between the Shashi and Macloutsie Rivers, and Sir Sidney Shippard is hopeful that he may be able to effect a settlement. Her Majesty's Government would desire, in the unfortunate event of a continued disagreement between the two Chiefs, 744 that the High Commissioner and the Administrator of Bechuanaland should use their good offices to the best of their ability to prevent war breaking out between the Chiefs; but they cannot undertake to say what course it might, under any circumstances, be necessary to take in the event of British interests being threatened.