HC Deb 07 June 1901 vol 94 cc1320-1
MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)

I beg to ask the Secretary for War a question, of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether he has any official information with reference to the report published by Renter's Agency to the effect that a Royal Artillery officer and a non-commissioned officer were shot in cold blood by the Boers for refusing to show the working of two-guns temporarily captured from our troops.

MR. BRODRICK

I have received a telegram from Lord Kitchener, and I am glad to say the report is unfounded. The telegram says: "In reference to the alleged murder of Lieutenant MacDougall and a sergeant-major of the 28th Battery, when I heard of the case I caused inquiries to be made among all wounded. Report unfounded. Will ask correspondents for their authority for statement."

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

Did this report pass the censor?

MR. BRODRICK

I presume it went through the ordinary channels.

MR. BRYN ROBERTS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the grave evils that result from untrue reports of this kind, incensing the public opinion of both countries, the Government will take steps to prosecute persons who send false information?

MR. BRODRICK

I think it is extremely desirable that reports which are false should not be published on either side, but I would point out that reports of a very damaging character, without the smallest foundation, have been published and largely circulated on the other side.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Will this correspondent be allowed to continue at the front?

MR. BRODRICK

I really cannot say anything about the question until I know exactly what occurred.

MR. BRYN ROBERTS

Will this correspondent's permit be withdrawn, like that of the representative of the South African News?

MR. LABOUCHERE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "the other side"?

MR. BRODRICK

The Boers.