HC Deb 14 March 1905 vol 142 c1375
*MR. LYELL (Dorsetshire, E. )

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any, and, if so, how many, British officers are to be appointed for the organisation and defence of the tribes in the Somaliland Protectorate with whom His Majesty's Government have entered into treaties of protection.

EARL PERCY

There is no present intention of increasing the staff of British officers for the special purpose referred to.

*MR. LYELL

I beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether rifles are being supplied gratis to the protected tribes of Somaliland, and, if so, what description of rifles, and how many it is proposed to issue.

EARL PERCY

I think the hon. Member will see on reflection that it is not desirable at the present juncture that a wider publicity than necessary should be given to the details for which he asks.

*MR. LYELL

But the noble Lord, in describing this altered policy, said these tribes were to be armed with rifles. Surely it is within the competence of this House to inquire as to the nature of the rifle to be provided?

[No Answers was returned.]