§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether copies of the heliograms and 302 telegraphic correspondence which passed between Sir Redvers Buller and Sir George White, during the seige of Ladysmith, will be printed and circulated amongst hon. Members before the determination of the Debate on the Address to the Throne. And, having regard to the dismissal of Sir Redvers Buller from the Aldershot command, owing to his reference to those telegrams what explanation, if any, has the War Office to give for their withholding those documents from the public for a period of nearly two years.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe general decision of the Government has been that the publication of telegrams and confidential despatches should be reserved till the time has come for making public the documents relating to the conduct of the war. The only divergence from this course has been in cases where information has been necessary for some particular Parliamentary discussion. In any such case, when special information is desired, the Government will consider carefully whether it should be given.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an Amendment to the Address in reference to General Buller's dismissal, and that the subject referred to in the Question is one of intense interest?
§ MR. BRODRICKI am aware that there is an Amendment referring to the "retiring of General Buller from his command in consequence of the speech he delivered at Westminster," but there is no reference whatever to events in Natal.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question?
§ MR. BRODRICKI have given the explanation asked for.