§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the state of affairs in Swaziland, and especially as to the flight of the King and the presence of a large number of armed Boer invaders in Swaziland?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESIn consequence of the excitement caused by the killing of Mbaba, the chief Induna, by the orders of the Swazi paramount chief, the Government of the South African Republic, who are responsible for maintaining order in the country, despatched a considerable number of volunteers into Swaziland. They state that this was done for police purposes and in order to reassure the European population. The paramount chief was summoned to attend a preliminary judicial inquiry on 5th July, but, instead of appearing, fled to Ingwavuma Poort on the Natal border. A meeting of chiefs assembled on 14th July by the special Commissioner of the South African Republic Government to discuss the situation resulted in the temporary 704 recognition of the Queen Mother as Regent. The Government of the South African Republic profess their desire to act in accordance with the convention, and the High Commissioner is in communication with that Government.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWho is now Her Majesty's representative in Swaziland?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESThe Consul-General, Mr. Schultz.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the right honourable Gentleman consider the desirability of sending a British military officer to be present at these negotiations, so that these Swazis may have full protection?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI do not see the slightest necessity for taking any such course. I have the fullest confidence in Mr. Schultz, and I have instructed him to be present.