§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information to give with reference to the statement in the Press to the effect that the Mullah has cut the British lines of communication between Galadi and Bohotle; whether Colonel Cobbe, now at Galadi, can return to General Manning; and whether General Manning can render any assistance to Colonel Cobbe.
§ *MR. BRODRICKThe Government are not in possession of more information with regard to the position of Colonel Cobbe and the movements of the Mullah than has been published in the Press this morning. On the other hand, some five or six weeks ago instructions were sent to General Manning to concentrate at Bohotle; and, according to the estimate given us, a considerable portion of General Manning's force would be already concentrated at Bohotle. But I have telegraphed for particulars from the officer commanding at Bohotle.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONBut the force is cut off from its base?
§ *MR. BRODRICKI have said nothing to indicate that in any way. I have no information corroborative of some private telegrams which have appeared in one of the newspapers to that effect.