§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether all the documents and papers relating to the armaments of the Transvaal Republic, the guns and ammunition ordered and delivered, and the dates when purchased, were found by the British Military authorities in the Boer Government offices on the occupation of Pretoria; and whether, among such papers, there are documents relating to the purchase of automatic guns, rifles, and ammunition from firms in England; and whether he will consent to publish such documents for the information of the House and the public.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonIt is not possible to say whether all the documents and papers referred to were found, but considerable information was gained from the records in the Government 1294 offices. The orders for war material were to a large extent executed through agents, and therefore the records did not show from what firms the consignments had been obtained in the first instance. I do not therefore consider it would be expedient to publish information obtained from such meagre sources.
§ MR. DILLONWill the Government undertake to inquire into this matter and let the British public know whence these arms and guns came?
§ LORD STANLEYI cannot add to my answer, which I have endeavoured to make as full as possible.
§ MR. DILLONI shall put a further question.