HC Deb 12 May 1904 vol 134 cc1169-70
MR. LAMBERT

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further information as to the Somali Mullah; what number of rifles and amount of ammunition has been captured from him and remain still in his possession; and whether there is a possibility of a further supply of rifles and ammunition reaching him.

EARL PERCY

The Mullah, with a small following, has been driven out of the Mijjarten territory and is now on the Sorl desert to the North-west of Illig—Illig itself being held by Ali Yusuf, Sultan of Obbia, a chief loyal to the Italian Government. Four hundred and twenty-four rifles have been captured from the Mullah, exclusive of those taken at Illig, the number of which has not yet been reported. The number of rifles at present in his possession is estimated at about 600. No exact report has been received as to ammunition, but it is believed that the Mullah has but little left. It is hoped that the precautions taken by His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the Italian Government, will prevent any fresh supplies of rifles and ammunition from reaching the Mullah.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)

asked when the necessary Supplementary Estimates would be laid before Parliament.

* THE DEPUTY-SPEAKFR

Order, Order! Notice must be given of that Question.