§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the Proclamation which Lord Roberts is understood to have issued under the instructions of Her Majesty's Government against wanton destruction of property in the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The following are the terms of the Proclamation issued by Lord Roberts on 26th March:—"Whereas it is necessary that all State and private property in the South African Republic and Orange Free State shall be protected from wanton destruction and damage. Now therefore I hereby give notice that all persons who within the territories of the South African Republic or Orange Free State shall authorise or be guilty of the wanton destruction or damage, or the counselling, aiding, or assisting in the wanton destruction or damage of public or private property, such destruction or damage not being justified by the usages 1396 and customs of civilised warfare, will be held responsible in their persons and property for all such wanton destruction and damage."