MR. STANLEY WILSONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies with reference to the telegram sent by the Colonial Office, at the request of Mr. Colenso and on his behalf, on 7th December last, to Dinizulu, whether it was sent at the expense of the Government; and what was the cost of the message.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe message was sent at the expense of the Government, and the cost was £4 5s.
MR. STANLEY WILSONIs the House to understand that in future the Colonial Office intend to send telegrams on behalf of private individuals at the expense of the British taxpayer?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe telegram in question was sent to prevent the effusion of blood in South Africa, and it could not have reached Dirhulu except by State assistance, through which it acquired an official character. It was right that the expense should be borne by the Government.
§ MR. CHURCHILLYes, and in similar circumstances a similar telegram would be sent.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sending of the telegram met with the approval of some hundreds of Members of this House? Will he send a further telegram to ascertain whether it is true as stated in the Press that the solicitor representing Dinizulu—
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDThen I will put the Question down.