HC Deb 10 April 1902 vol 105 cc1433-4
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I gave notice to the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for War that I would ask him whether he had any information to give to the House in regard to events in South Africa.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)

Lord Kitchener has informed me that the Transvaal representatives, namely, Messrs. Schalk Burger, Krogh, Jacobs, Van Walden, Reitz, and Lucas Meyer have reached Klerksdorp, and that they have been joined there by Commandant General Botha. Mr. Steyn and Commandant General De Wet, with General Delarey and three members of the late Orange Free State Government, have also proceeded to Klerksdorp, where the arrived yesterday. No communications have been received from the Boer leaders except in relation to the grant of safe conduct to those taking part in the conference.

MR. BLACK (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government propose to banish Mr. Schalk Burger and those who have accompanied him after their period of safe conduct expires, and will he state how long that period has still to run.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN)

I do not know whether safe conduct has been given for any fixed period, but it will no doubt be extended so long as the negotiations are in progress. At its; close the delegates will be entitled to return to their respective districts, and no question of banishment will arise at this stage.

MR. BLACK

Shall I be in order in asking a supplementary Question?

MR. SPEAKER

That depends upon what it is.

MR. BLACK

Then I will ask whether, after Mr. Schalk Burger and his colleagues have returned through our lines, they will be subject to banishment should they again fall into our hands.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

If the proclamation remains in force.