HC Deb 27 February 1900 vol 79 cc1202-4
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN () Stirling Burghs

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any news to give to the House from the seat of war?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E

I believe my hon. friend the Under Secretary for War has a telegram to read to the House.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

We have received the following telegram from Lord Roberts— From information furnished daily to me by my Intelligence Department it became apparent that Cronje's force was becoming more depressed and that discontent among the troops and discord among the leaders' were rapidly increasing. This feeling doubtless was accentuated by the disappointment caused when the Boer reinforcements which tried to relieve Cronje were defeated by our troops on the 23rd inst. I resolved, therefore, to bring pressure to bear on the enemy. Each night trenches were pushed forward towards the enemy's laager so as to gradually contract his position, and at the same time I bombarded it heavily with artillery, which was yesterday materially aided by the arrival of four 6m. howitzers which I had ordered up from De Aar. In carrying out these measures the captive balloon gave great assistance by keeping us informed of the dispositions and movements of the enemy. At 3 a.m. to-day a most dashing advance made by the Canadian Regiment and some Engineers, supported by the 1st Gordon Highlanders and 2nd Shropshires, resulted in our gaining a point some 600 yards nearer the enemy and within about 80 yards of his trenches, where our men entrenched themselves and maintained their positions till morning— a gallant deed worthy of our colonial comrades, and which I am glad to say was attended with comparatively slight loss. This apparently clinched matters, for at daylight to-day a letter signed by Cronje, in which he stated that he surrendered unconditionally, was brought to our outposts under a flag of truce. In my reply I told Cronje that he must present himself at my camp and that his force must come out of their laager after laying down their arms. By 7 a.m. I received General Cronje and despatched a telegram to you announcing the fact. In the course of conversation he asked for kind treatment at our hands, and also that his wife, grandson, private secretary, adjutant, and servants ought accompany him wherever he might be sent. I reassured him and told him his request would be complied with. I informed him that a General Officer would be sent with him to Cape Town to ensure his being treated with proper respect en route. He will start this afternoon under the charge of Major-General Pretyman, who will hand him over to the General Commanding at Cape Town. The prisoners, who number about 3,000 will be formed into commandoes under their own officers. They also will leave hereto-day, reaching Modder River to-morrow, when they will be railed to Cape Town in detachments.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN () Kilkenny

Is there any account of the guns which General Cronje is said to have had in his possession?

MR. WYNDHAM

No, Sir, there is. no information beyond what I have read.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND () Clare, E.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether these 3,000 Boers were captured by 40,000 British?

[No answer was given.]

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Ten to one—a glorious victory indeed!