§ CAPTAIN SINCLAIR () ForfarshireI bog to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in reference to the Governor of Natal's telegraphic despatch of 4th November, 1899, reporting the issue by the Boers of a proclamation annexing to 921 the Orange Free State the Upper Tugela district of Natal, and to his subsequent despatch of 4th November, 1899, reporting the confirmation by the magistrate at Ladysmith of the rumoured issue of a proclamation annexing to the Orange Free State the Upper Tugela division, he has received any further confirmation of the issue of these proclamations, and can give the dates of their issue and their terms.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.No, Sir, the proclamation at p. 241 of Cd. 43 issued by Commandant General Joubert did not in terms announce annexation, and I have also to refer the hon. Member to the statement of the Presidents mentioned in my answer to him of the 19th of February.