§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)asked the Under 1557 Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give the House any further information as to the state of affairs in Zululand?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The following telegram was received on Tuesday from the Governor of Natal, in reply to an inquiry from the Secretary of State:—
Your telegram of yesterday. Usibepu and followers were attacked and defeated by Usutus near Ivuna, 23rd June. It has consequently been found advisable to withdraw police office at Ivuna, which was attacked at the same time. Usibepu took refuge with police. No casualties among police. Force sent from Nkon-jeni safely returned yesterday; brought back all from Ivuna, including Usibepu and families, women, and wounded of his tribe. Have just conferred with Lieutenant General, Cape of Good Hope, as to sufficient number for force. He reserves opinion until arrival in Zululand, whither he proceeds to-morrow.It will be seen from this telegram that Lieutenant General Smyth has proceeded to Zululand, and will be able to judge of the position, and whether any additional forces will be required; but a day or two may probably elapse before any further communication is received.
§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)asked, whether it was not the case that Dinizulu was merely re-capturing cattle that had been stolen from him by Usibepu; and whether the land had not been in the possession of Dinizulu for several years; and, whether Usibepu, since he was sent there, had begun cattle raiding, as he had done before? He further wished to ask, whether other native allies were being used in this manner; and whether the Government would take care that this did not happen again?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The Question was to ask the Under Secretary whether he had any information. The Questions must be given Notice of in the usual way.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)asked, whether the Government had given General Smyth, who would proceed in a short time to Zululand, any particular instructions with regard to the disposition of the force there?
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSI do not think that it would be in the interest of the Public Service that I should give information to the House.
§ MR. W. REDMONDI beg to give Notice that on the Estimates I will call 1558 attention to the action of the Government, which is certainly leading up to another war in Zululand.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!