§ MR. ASHLEYI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the event of Imperial troops being employed in connection with the native rising in Natal, His Majesty's Government would hold themselves justified in claiming, in consequence of such employment, a greater share in any settlement of the native question in that colony.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe interest of the Imperial Government in, and its responsibility for, the welfare of the native population in Natal is not wholly dependent upon the employment of Imperial troops; but that responsibility would, undoubtedly, become more intimate and direct in proportion as Imperial forces were employed. Should the situation in Natal undergo changes in the direction indicated by my hon. friend, the Secretary of State is confident that the Imperial Government and the Responsible Government of Natal would continue to work together in friendly co-operation; and he believes that it is by the promotion of that friendly co-operation that the welfare of the native subjects of the King may best be secured, both during the present period of tension and at its close.