§ SIR ALFRED HICKMAN (Wolverhampton, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the statement that the Boers have wrecked the coal mines near Ladysmith, and that Government officials openly express their determination to demolish the whole of the machinery and plant of the leading gold mines, and to destroy the principal buildings in Johannesburg; and whether he will take into consideration the advisability of warning President Kruger that he will be held personally responsible for wanton damage to private property.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN(1) I have observed such statements in the newspapers. (2) The matter is under consideration, but I wouldremind the hon. Member that on the outbreak of the war President Kruger was warned that he and his Government were expected to protect the lives and property of all peaceable persons, and will be held responsible for any acts committed contrary to the usages of civilised people (see pages 41 and 69 of C. 9530).