MR. MILNES-GASKELL (York, W.R., Morley)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary for the Colonies a question of which I have given him private notice—whether he has any further information as to the reported repulse of a British force near Sierra Leone; whether he can state if the object of the expedition was Timbo or Tambi, and at which of these places the repulse took place? Also I would ask the right hon. Gentleman the date at which the expedition left Sierra Leone, where the troops now are, who is in command, and also whether he will undertake to give the names of any privates as well as officers killed and wounded?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethI have no information later than, or in addition to, that given by the Secretary of State in another place on Monday last. The object of the expedition was not Timbo, but Tambi, the stronghold of the robber chief Carimoo. Tambi is in the Limbah country, about due north of Freetown. The advance guard of the expedition is believed to have left Freetown on 5th March, and the remainder on 7th March. The force retired from Tambi to Kamasasa, where they are still believed to be. So far as is known, Major Moore remains in command. No British troops, but only native frontier police, were engaged; and, therefore, no names of privates killed or wounded have been sent home. Perhaps the House will allow me to explain how this happened. Carimoo is a robber chief, originally coming from Benna, a country on the 1624 right bank of the Great Scarcies River, who has for some time past made frequent raids, involving great loss of life and great destruction of property, upon the Timmani Limbah tribes on the British side of the Scarcies, and has recently established himself at Tambi, within the British sphere. Last May, Major Moore, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Frontier Police, was sent up into the Limbah country with a detachment of police to endeavour to effect an arrangement with Carimoo. On arriving at Tambi, Carimoo's stronghold, although Major Moore stated that he had come on a peaceful mission, the party were fired upon, one of the police was killed, and two or more of the police wounded. In view of this unprovoked outrage, it was felt to be necessary that steps should be taken for the punishment of the offenders. The wet season had, however, arrived, and nothing could be done at the time. A scheme of operations was prepared by Major Moore, in concert with Major Browne, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, a distinguished officer, who had already had experience of native warfare at Sierra Leone. It appears from the telegram that the attack on Tambi has failed; but it is hoped that a satisfactory result may still be achieved through the combined action of the police and the natives. Authority has been sent to the Acting Governor for the use of the West Indian troops at Sierra Leone to support the attack if necessary.
MR. MILNES-GASKELLI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his in formation. From other information I have received, I understood that there had been some loss among the British privates.
§ BARON H. DE WORMSI have given all the information I have, but if the hon. Member desires I will make further inquiry.
§ House adjourned at five minutes before Six o'clock.