§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether he can state what explanation, if any, he has to give of the circumstances under which a detailed account of the murder of two Intelligence Officers by the Boers near Warm baths was sent to this country, which Lord Kitchener, on the 6th inst., telegraphed to the War Office to be without foundation; and, have any, and, if so, what steps been taken to discover the persons responsible for this report, and has any inquiry been made as to the grounds on which the Press Censors permitted it to be telegraphed to this country.
§ MR. BRODRICKAs I have already explained to the House, and especially to the hon. Member, military press censors are not in any way responsible for the accuracy of the facts alleged in telegrams passed by them. Their duty is limited to the prevention of the publication of statements or intelligence which may assist the enemy. It rests with Lord Kitchener to take what steps, if any, he may consider necessary in the present case.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the hon. Gentleman communicate with Lord Kitchener in reference to this?
§ [No answer was returned.]