HC Deb 20 November 1906 vol 165 cc609-10
MR. ASHLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the German Imperial Government in order to insure the more adequate policing of the southern border of German South-West Africa.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I presume the hon. Member refers to the recent raid by the man Ferreira and a few followers of his. It is recognised by both the local Governments of the Cape Colony and of German South-West Africa that consideration must be paid to the large extent of the frontier and to the impossibility of maintaining a sufficient body of men on either side to prevent all chance movements across the border. The only action taken in regard to the Ferreira raid has been the communication made by the Governor of the Cape Colony to the Governor of German South-West Africa, to which the Under-Secretary for the Colonies referred in his Answer on the 12th instant†. Full details are not † See (4) Debates, clxiv, 1053–4. yet in the possession of His Majesty's Government, but when received they will be communicated to the German Government.

MR. ASHLEY

And will they be communicated to this House?

SIR EDWARD GREY

I think it is unusual to promise to lay any Papers before they are received and considered.

Forward to