§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War is it the fact that when the question arose of occupying Northern Natal as far as Dundee before the outbreak of hostilities, Sir William Butler was informed that this step was believed to be desirable but that the decision was left to him, and was General Butler's refusal to exercise this discretion, by not occupying Northern Natal, one of the grounds on which he was deprived of his command at the Cape; when General Butler was appointed to command elsewhere did he express his disinclination to accept the command, and only yield on the urgent representation of the War Office and on the understanding that he would only occupy the new post for a year; and does the acceptance by Sir William Butler of this appointment preclude him, except with the consent of the War Office, from defending himself from the charges levelled against him.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMThere is no ground for either of the allegations contained in the first paragraph of the hon. Member's question. Sir W. Butler was offered the command of the Western District on the 8th August. On the 10th August he declined the offer, explaining that he did not wish to risk possible embarrassment to his superior officers by accepting it. He was informed on the 12th August that his acceptance would cause no embarrassment, and he accepted the post on the 14th with thanks. There was no limitation of the Western District command to one year, or any understanding to that effect. The appointment is for the ordinary period of five years, subject to the rules regarding age retirement, which do not appear likely to affect the tenure. Sir W. Butler's acceptance of this command imposes no special disability upon him.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLCan a general officer in command explain his attitude with reference to public matters, except with the consent of the War Office?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMA general officer, and every other soldier, is forbidden by the Queen's Regulations to raise questions upon orders, regulations, and matters of discipline. He is not debarred from the right of a private gentleman, and I may mention to the hon. Member that only a few days ago Sir William Butler asked us whether he might take proceedings and instruct his solicitor, and he was informed by return that there were no military objections.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWas that against Heneage, who called him a traitor?
§ [No answer was given.]