HC Deb 08 August 1901 vol 99 cc34-5
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to whether Kaffirs in South Africa have been armed by the British to such an extent that there is scarcely a camp in South Africa where a few natives with well-filled bandoliers may not be seen, and whether he will inquire whether most of the British columns are now accompanied by armed native scouts.

LORD STANLEY

No, Sir. I have no official information to this effect. It would be contrary to all orders issued on the subject if natives were armed for offensive purposes. At the same time I will communicate with Lord Kitchener on the subject.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Will the noble Lord also communicate the answer to the Colonial Secretary?

[No reply was made.]