§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)On behalf of the hon. Baronet the Member for the Northwich Division of Cheshire, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. Jacobus Botha, a Member of the Capo Parliament, was arrested at Cape Town on 26th June without a warrant; and, if so, by whose authority the arrest was made; whether an application was made by him, and to what court, for his unconditional release from arrest, and whether that application was refused; whether he has been admitted to bail only on condition of taking his trial at Aliwal North; whether Aliwal North is one of the districts where martial law was in force; and whether he is to be tried by a court martial or by what tribunal.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI am informed by Sir A. Milner as follows (in reply to a telegraphic inquiry): Botha was arrested for high treason at Cape Town on date mentioned, on warrant signed by resident magistrate Aliwal North. He applied unsuccessfully to magistrate Cape Town, and subsequently to Supreme Court, for release from arrest, but was afterwards admitted to bail by the latter on condition that he should return to Aliwal North and remain there during his preparatory examination, which is now being held there by civil authorities. Case will probably come for trial in due course before Special Commission. Aliwal North is a district under martial law.