§ MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether General Smyth, while in command of the British forces in Zululand in 1888, presented Usibepu with 30,000 rounds of ammunition from the stores of the Coast Column; whether Usibepu thereupon raided his neighbours living in Ngandawe, on the Bongo, and also two tribes of Amatongas, who were subject to the Queen of Amatongaland, and in no sense concerned in Zululand affairs; and, whether this present of ammunition to Usibepu was made with the consent of the Zululand civil authorities?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSLieutenant-General Smyth issued 2,880 (not 30,000) rounds of ammunition to Usibepu in August, 1888, for purposes of self-defence. Usibepu did subsequently make a raid upon the two Chiefs referred to in retaliation for some alleged acts of 711 aggression on the part of their people. The Chiefs in question, although Tongas in race, are regarded as British subjects and belonging to the political system of Zululand. The ammunition was issued to Usibepu by the General on his own responsibility at a time when he was beyond the reach of communications from the civil authorities.
§ MR. T. E. ELLISDoes the hon. Gentleman approve of the action of General Smyth?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSYes, Sir.
§ MR. T. E. ELLISI wish also to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, at the end of last may, Usibepu, though charged with murder, was allowed to return to his home contrary to the advice of Europeans in Zululand well acquainted with the state of the country; and, whether he can state at whose recommendation and upon whose responsibility this step was taken?
BARON H. DE WOEMSAs I intimated to the hon. Member in replying to him on the 11th instant, our information is that Usibepu remains at Etchowe; but inquiries will be made.