HC Deb 28 April 1903 vol 121 cc655-6
MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)

I wish to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether it is not a fact that the whole of the territories in which General Manning's operations are taking place are outside the boundaries of British Somali-land and within the sphere of influence of either Italy or Abyssinia.

LORD CRANBORNE

The answer shortly to the Question of the hon. Gentleman is in the affirmative, but the troops which are acting on the lines of communication under General Manning are operating within the British sphere.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

Is there any precedent for the employment of British troops in territories which are outside our boundaries, without consultation with, or sanction obtained from, Parliament.

LORD CRANBORNE

That is a matter which I shall have to inquire into.