HC Deb 11 April 1902 vol 106 cc7-8
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any information to give to the House as to events in South Africa.

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

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government is not at present in receipt of any communication with regard to terms from the Boer leaders.

MR. JAMES O'KELLY (Roscommon, N.)

Has Lord Kitchener been authorised to offer any other terms than those already offered.

MR. BRODRICK

I am not in a posit on to make any statement on that subject.

MR. BLACK (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government are in possession of the terms in which Mr. Schalk Burger and the other Transvaal representatives asked for safe conduct, and the reasons they assigned for that request; and, if so, whether they will communicate this information to the House; whether Mr. Steyn and the Orange River representatives are meeting the Transvaal representatives at Klerksdorp on the suggestion of the Government of Lord Kitchener or on the invitation of the Transvaal representatives; and whether the Government are in possession of the terms of this suggestion or invitation; if so, will they communicate it to the House.

MR. BRODRICK

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made yesterday.

MR. BLACK

May I ask whether there is any word of an armistice during the absence of the commandants from their districts?

MR. BRODRICK

There will certainly not be an armistice.