HC Deb 12 June 1902 vol 109 cc501-2
MR. MARKHAM

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether on 1st March, 1900, a communication was received from the Chartered Company, that the Company had received a cable from Bulawayo to the effect that a rising of the natives of Rhodesia was anticipated, and whether on the same day the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs received a letter from Lord Grey, urging that artillery and troops should be sent at once from the Cape to the assistance of the Chartered Company; and, if so, will he state whether the Government at that particular time acceded to this request, and whether this cost was paid by the Chartered Company.

MR. BRODRICK

The request of the Chartered Company for such assistance was communicated to Lord Roberts on the 28th February, 1900. It was, however, impossible for the Commander-in-Chief to give any such assistance at the moment.

MR. MARKHAM

Now that the war is over, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will publish the correspondence which took place. He has not answered my Question, whether the communication was received from Lord Grey.

MR. BRODRICK

I do not think there is any necessity to publish the correspondence. I have answered the Question fully.