§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government hold the South Africa Chartered Company responsible for the protection of British subjects in Mashonaland, Her Majesty's Government will give the Company a free hand in dealing with Lo Bengula, and withdraw their prohibition against an offensive movement; whether it is not a fact that in warfare, especially with savage races, defence is often best secured by taking the offensive; and whether it is a fact that, within the last few years, Lo Bengula's impis have massacred over 10,000 unoffending Mashonas?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEIt is not the intention of the Government to modify the instructions they have already given with regard to the conduct of the Company. As to the question whether 1886 it is not the fact that in warfare, especially against savage races, safety is often best secured by taking the offensive, I am extremely reluctant to make myself a judge of the rules of warfare. It may sometimes happen that it will be wise to jump out of a carriage going full gallop—[laughter]—though rarely, or to jump out of an upstairs window where there is a fire. But these questions, I think, must be left to decide themselves according to the circumstances of the case. I find that the Colonial Office have no information to the effect suggested by the hon. Gentleman, that Lo Bengula has destroyed more than 10,000 unoffending persons. But if they received such a statement as that they would view it with some degree of incredulity.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTIs it not substantially the fact that Lo Bengula's impis have massacred a number of unoffending people in Mashonaland?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI am quite sure that the Secretary of State will give any information that he has to submit to the hon. Gentleman; but I do not think it would be wise in me to give an answer without having made particular inquiry.