HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 cc609-10
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Have the Government any further information as to events in Somaliland?

LORD CRANBORNE

A further telegram from General Manning, relating to the operations in Somaliland, has been communicated to this day's evening papers as follows:— Arrived Berbera 10 this morning. Swayne has reached Bohotle in safety. Force was not attacked during retirement; situation consequently more satisfactory, but do not cancel orders warning Punjab Regiment from India for service, in case they have been given, as further developments must be awaited. Wounded all doing very well; no anxiety concerning wounded officers need be felt. Howard's wound slight, Everett's wound severe (shoulder), but able to ride. Aden attachment will arrive today and go forward to posts tomorrow morning. I may perhaps say in explanation that the Aden attachment, to which reference is made, is about 300 strong, but of course these are not the only reinforcements which the Government have ordered, though we may hope they will not be so much required now. There is a battalion and a half under orders from India—not the Punjab but the Bombay regiment—and besides that we have ordered 600 more African troops from the other protectorates, who are specially useful in Somaliland owing to the local conditions. I need not say that if the news does not continue to be equally satisfactory, if bad news should come, the Government would be prepared to supply even further troops.