§ MR. CHANNINGI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether orders have now been sent or will forthwith be sent by telegram to South Africa directing the authorities, in the case of any further executions, to discontinue the practice of compelling the Dutch inhabitants to witness these executions.
LORD STANLEYThere is nosuch practice as the hon. Member supposes. The 273 single instance to which he refers was due to the necessity which, in the opinion of the military authorities, existed for showing that the sentences inflicted by court-martial were really carried out. It will not have to be repeated.
§ MR. CHANNINGI should like to ask the noble Lord whether I am to understand from his answer that His Majesty's Government have sent directions to South Africa to prevent any such occurrence again.
LORD STANLEYNo, Sir. In the opinion of the General Officer Commanding in South Africa this will not have to be repeated.
§ MR. M'KENNA (Monmouthshire, S.)Has the noble Lord received any fresh communication on the subject since yesterday, when he was questioned in regard to it.