§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR (City of London)I wish to ask if the Government have any information to give to the House with regard to the alleged Boer raid?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe following information has been received from the 1054 Governor of the Cape Colony. On Saturday he telegraphed:-"A Transvaal Boer named Ferreira, reported to have been lately in the employ of the Government of German South West Africa, has crossed our border from German territories with five followers, all armed, and has surprised two small police posts near Zwartmodder, breaking the hello line between Upington and Rietfontein. They have wounded two policemen, one seriously, and stolen horses, arms and ammunition, and are reported to be forcing all Boers to join them, stating that there is a rising in the Transvaal. We are taking all necessary steps. At present Ministers do not think the assistance of Regular forces is necessary. I have telegraphed to Governor German South West Africa reporting the circumstances and asking him to take steps to capture the freebooters should they return to German South West Africa, with a view to their extradition on charges of theft and attempted murder." On Sunday he telegraphed further as follows:-"Latest reports indicate that Ferreira was yesterday at Rooipoort, about thirty-six miles north of Upington, with eleven fully armed men. Inspector White left Upington last night in direction of Rooipoort with fifteen police and twenty-five enrolled Bastards to investigate. Colonel Lukin with fifty Cape Mounted Rifles and detachments of Cape Police, making up force to about 150, is on his way by rail from King William's Town to Prieska, and will arrive at Prieska 12th November, on his way to Upington. All the forces have been placed under his command. 350 more men will be available and will be sent if required. Various other military arrangements are being made concerning which no detailed statement would at at present be convenient."
§ MR. DALZIELasked whether there was information at the Colonial Office to justify the belief that this so-called raid was engineered from Johannesburg in order to divert attention from Chinese labour.
§ MR. FLAVINWill the hon. Gentleman call for volunteers among the hon. Members above the gangway on this side of the House?
† See Col. 114.