§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLOn behalf of the hon. Member for East Mayo, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Lord Roberts had authority to issue the proclamation of 1st June, announcing that after a certain date all inhabitants of the Orange Free State found in arms against his troops would be treated as rebels; whether such a proclamation is in accordance with the usages of war, and why Lord Roberts did not consult Her Majesty's Government before taking so grave a step; why the issue of this proclamation was not reported to the Government until the 28th June, and then only on an inquiry from the Colonial Office; whether the issue of this proclamation is sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government; and whether it is proposed to act in accordance with its terms.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN(1) Lord Roberts had authority to annex. Upon annexation the burghers of the Orange Free State became British subjects. His proclamation stated that inhabitants found in arms would be liable to be treated as rebels, not that they would be treated as rebels. (2, 3, 4, and 5) Under his commission Lord Roberts had power to take this step, and Her Majesty's Government have full confidence in his discretion as to any action under the proclamation.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAs a matter of fact, has he dared to treat them as rebels?