§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the Swazi people; and whether Her Majesty's Government will offer them a British protectorate, and restore the Swazis their ancient rights.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The British Consul left on the 14th of October. He was instructed before leaving to advise the paramount chief to keep his people quiet, and not to interfere in a war which is a white man's affair. It is understood that the Government of the South African Republic have withdrawn their officials from Swaziland. As to the second part of the question, Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to make any statement at present.