§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with the intention of opening up the whole of the hitherto unexplored regions of South Nigeria, a force of 800 men will start operations under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard, D.S.O., in a few weeks, and that the work of bringing the districts under control is expected to last six or seven months; whether he can give any account of this projected expedition and the arms and ammunition with which the explorers will be equipped; and whether he can say in how many small wars against native tribes this country is at present engaged, and why this intended expedition has not been communicated to Parliament.
§ THE UNDER - SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY,) Liverpool, AbercrombyAs I explained in the Answer which I gave to my right hon. friend the Member for the Forest of Dean on 24th November, no military expedition is contemplated; I then explained the action which is being taken in the territory in question.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLPerhaps the Secretary of State will answer the last part of my Question as to how many small wars against natives tribes this country is at present engaged in?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickIt does not apply to my office.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLSmall wars do apply to your office. I am speaking with reference to the Soudan expedition and others, of which this Parliament has been kept in ignorance.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYIf the hon. Gentleman wishes to put Questions on any particular points, I shall be glad to answer them, but I cannot answer general Questions.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThat is very good of you.