§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any expedition has been despatched from Kano, in North Nigeria, to Sokoto; and, if so, will he state how many men it consisted of, and has any telegraphic report been forwarded concerning it by Sir F. Lugard; and, if so, will he state its nature.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The following telegram,
†See (4) Debates, cxvi., 1495.566 dated Sokoto, March 19, has been received from Sir Frederick Lugard:—"Sokoto occupied March 15th after feeble resistance. Sultan and chiefs fled. I arrived this morning Hope to effect full settlement early. Wazeri and Sultan's brother returned to-day with many followers. I am breaking up expeditionary force. General Kemball leaves for Zungeru day after to-morrow. Lagos and Southern Nigeria reserves returning home. All well. Boundary Commissioners are here." Sir Frederick Lugard has not stated how many men the force despatched from Kano to Sokoto consisted of, but the force which occupied Kano consisted of 839 of all ranks. I think the House will feel that this most important expedition has been admirably carried out.