§ MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made to bring to the knowledge of the Native leaders in Matabeleland the promise that, if they surrender their arms before 10th August, they shall be treated with leniency; and whether Her Majesty's Government is now prepared to consider the suggestion that some agent or agents, not engaged in military operations against the Natives, shall be deputed to assure them that, if they submit themselves to the authority of the Crown, they will be equitably and humanely dealt with?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I gather from the 455 newspaper reports that the local authorities are taking the best practical means of making known the amnesty proclamation to the insurgents—that is to say, they are releasing prisoners of war and sending them hack to their friends with the information. I am perfectly satisfied with the steps taken, and do not intend to interfere with the discretion of Sir F. Carrington and Sir R. Martin.
In reply to Sir E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT, (Sheffield, Ecclesall),
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINsaid he had received no further information as to the actual fighting beyond what had been published. The information as to the rebellion was given immediately to the Press, including that relating to the fighting under Sir F. Carrington on Monday. He had received a telegram which contained an account of the fighting by a column sent off under Captain Lang, which appears to have resulted successfully for the column and to have led to the death of 90 of the rebels.
§ MR. H. C. F. LUTTRELL (Devon, Tavistock)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in regard to the prospective dangers of famine in Matabeleland and Mashonaland, and of the future of that country, he will issue orders to prevent any unnecessary destruction of food?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to similar questions put by him and by the hon. Member for the Leigh Division of Lancashire; to that answer I have nothing to add.
§ MR. LUTTRELLMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that there is no danger?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have full confidence in my officers on the spot, and I do not intend to interfere with their discretion. [Cheers.]