HC Deb 18 March 1902 vol 105 cc315-7
MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER (Cumberland, Eskdale)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, in view of the frequent attacks on our forces in South Africa by Boers disguised in British uniforms, which have resulted in the deaths of so many of our soldiers, what steps the Government are taking to stop a recurrence of such conduct.

MR. M'LAREN (Leicestershire, Bosworth)

I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that some, of the Boer Commandos have assumed the uniform of their enemy for the purpose of protecting their own lives when attacking the British forces, he will state what measures will be taken to deter the Boers from adopting such tactics; and whether he will endeavour to devise some distinguishing badge for the use of our men which cannot be imitated by the Boers.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

In accordance with the customs of war among civilised nations, Boers captured in British uniform are liable to be shot after court-martial. In certain cases Lord Kitchener has inflicted this penalty. The suggestion as to a distinguishing badge hardly appears practicable.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Arising out of the reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the secret report of the Indian Intelligence Department, pointing out that the Boer army used—[cries of "Order"]—

* MR. SPEAKER (interrupting)

Notice of the Question must be given.

MR. DILLON

It bears on exactly the same Question.

* MR. SPEAKER

No; the hon. Member is asking a Question on a particular document.

MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER

As the right hon. Gentleman has said that extreme measures have only been taken in certain cases, and as such treachery is looked upon by other civilised nations as punishable by death, I would suggest—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman cannot ask for further information on the question beyond the answer already given.

MR. DILLON

May I put tins question: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Boer regular troops, very few in number, were in the habit of wearing khaki uniform before England adopted it?

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir; but that does not in the least degree warrant their wearing uniforms taken from our troops with the distinguishing British marks upon them.

MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to intimate to Lord Kitchener that the extremest measures taken in such cases would meet with the full approval of the Government?

MR. BRODRICK

I think the circumstances of the conduct of the war in the field in this particular matter should be left to Lord Kitchener himself.