§ MR. T. H. COCHRANE (Ayrshire, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has information to the effect that Mr. Shepstone removed all the books of the Swazi nation and papers relating to the affairs of Swaziland from the chief kraal to Pretoria, and has not returned them in spite of repeated requests from the King; if so, by what right does Mr. Shepstone retain these books and papers; and will the Government use their influence to secure their immediate return?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON, Tower Hamlets, Poplar)I understand that the books and papers sent to Pretoria were those bearing on Mr. Shepstone's financial and other relations with the Swazi nation. They were sent to Pretoria with a view to a thorough investigation into Mr. Shepstone's financial transactions, which was desired by the Swazis. A Swazi 1261 deputation went to Pretoria to attend at the audit. I understand that on completion of the audit the books and papers will be returned to Swaziland.
§ MR. COCHRANEsaid, the hon. Gentleman, the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had asked him to postpone this question on a previous occasion. He wished to know by what authority Mr. Shepstone had detained these books and papers?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONsaid, that he did not understand that these books and papers were in the possession of Mr. Shepstone. They were sent to Pretoria in accordance with the more than once expressed desire on the part of the Swazis that Mr. Shepstone's affairs in regard to them should be properly investigated. He, however, understood that the books and papers would soon be returned.
§ MR. COCHRANEasked why they had not been returned already? The King had made application to have them returned long ago.
§ *SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)asked whether the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs was aware that the Swazis had repeatedly asked for these books and papers, and why Her Majesty's Government had continued so long to recognise Mr. Shepstone as representing the Swazis after he had been dismissed by them?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONsaid, that he should wish to have notice of the latter part of the last question. He understood that the books and papers had been sent to Pretoria with the object of their being examined and audited. They were of a voluminous character, and their investigation had taken some time. That, he understood, was the reason for the delay. Her Majesty's Government had received no formal complaint on the subject, and he did not think that there had been any unreasonable delay with regard to it.