§ MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Sir Redvers Buller, or any one authorised by him, has ever asked for the publication of the Spion Kop despatches containing criticism of Sir C. Warren; and whether Sir Redvers Buller was ever consulted, or given an opportunity of expressing an opinion, on the expediency of the publication just made.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonThe right hon. Gentleman wishes me to state that Sir Redvers Buller's statement on this subject and his request that—
If any further publication is intended, my words may be published I as written, and without manipulation, and that the opportunity will he taken to correct; in this respect previous publicationwill be in the recollection of the House. He was not consulted as to the publication made in consequence.
§ MR. LAMBERTMay I ask the noble Lord whether the statement he quotes from Sir Redvers Buller was not made in regard to a totally different matter—namely, the Ladysmith telegram, and not to the Spion Kop despatches?
§ LORD STANLEYI have given the answer which my right hon. friend, who is unavoidably prevented from being in the House, has asked me to give in this respect.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)Yes Sir, but will the noble Lord undertake to publish the Ladysmith despatches without manipulation?
§ LORD STANLEYIf they are pub lished at all, it is not for me to say when or how they are to be published, except this, that I am certain they will be published, as the others were, without manipulation.
§ MR. LAMBERTIf the noble Lord will refer to Sir Redvers Buller's letter of April 5th to the First Lord of the Treasury, he will find that the statement I have made is absolutely accurate.