§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that General Vilonel is the same person who was originally a partner of a Mr. Kitchener, in Senekal, in a law agency, and that he was convicted at an early stage of the war of treason, and sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour, and released from gaol at Winburg by the British troops; and whether, in view of these facts, the British Government will authorise his employment as a commander of forces employed against the Boers.
§ MR. BRODRICKI have no official information as to the present alleged appointment or the past history of the person mentioned in the question. I may, however, mention that the term of treason has been applied by the Boers in cases of ex-burghers who refused to break their parole.
§ MR. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into this case?
†See preceding volume, p. 1094.
§ MR. BRODRICKI do not see what is to be gained by the inquiry.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLLeave it to the discretion of Kitchener, I suppose!