§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether a considerable Boer force is now assembled near Mafeking; and, if so, whether President Kruger has offered Her Majesty's Government any explanation with regard to that fact; and, whether he can inform the House as to how many Foreign immigrants with a military training have entered the Transvaal since January 1896?
MR. CHAMBERLAINAccording to my information the Government of the South African Republic has placed strong patrols all along its north-western and western boundaries, which would include Mafeking, in order to prevent the introduction of rinderpest. It informed the High Commissioner of its intentions in telegrams of March 19 and 21, and on March 22 Sir Hercules 1530 Robinson answered suggesting that the Republic should increase these patrols, as there was a tendency to break quarantine. He himself was at the same time taking vigorous action to maintain the cordons in the colony and protectorate. I do not know how many foreigners with a military training have entered the South African Republic since January 1, 1896, and as shipping companies and port authorities never ascertain and record such particulars about passengers, I fear I never shall know exactly. I may add that the rumour that a large number of German immigrants were landed at Delagoa Bay the other day is absolutely contradicted by the owners of the ship which was alleged to have brought them.
§ MR. ALLANMay I ask this Question of the right hon. Gentleman? Has not the Transvaal Government the right to allow German or any other immigrants to enter its territory?