HC Deb 24 May 1906 vol 157 cc1411-2
MR. FETHERSTONHAUGH (Fermanagh, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is any censorship of telegrams between this country and Natal; whether if he can say if the resolutions of sympathy with the Zulus now in rebellion, adopted at a recent labour demonstration at Woolwich, have been telegraphed to the Natal Government and Bambaata, or have been published in Natal newspapers; whether the Natal Government has declined Imperial aid in suppressing the Zulu revolt.

MR. RUNCIMAN

There is no censorship of telegrams between this country and Natal. The Secretary of State has no official information in regard to the resolutions referred to being transmitted to Natal. The Natal Government has not declined Imperial aid. Members of the Natal Government have publicly stated that they do not desire to ask for Imperial troops to be actively employed in suppressing the revolt. The battalion which is now stationed at Maritzburg was sent on the representations of Ministers in February that its moral effect upon the native community would be incalculable. H.M.S. "Terpsichore" was also for a short time moved to Durban.