§ Captain BARINGasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if he will state to what point it is proposed to withdraw the troops to Somaliland; when the withdrawal will be completed; and whether it is proposed to evacuate the ports of Bulhar and Zeila?
§ Colonel SEELYThe troops have been withdrawn to the coast. For the present, at any rate, garrisons will be maintained at Bulhar and Zeila, and will not be withdrawn so long as there appears to be sufficient reason for maintaining them.
§ Captain BARINGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to define a little more closely what he means by "coast"? Does it merely refer to the port of Berbera?
§ Colonel SEELYWell, I think, the word "coast" is sufficiently plain. Troops no longer occupy the small interior posts. We do occupy Berbera with a considerable force, and also Bulhar and Zeila, which are also ports along the coast.
§ Lord ALEXANDER THYNNEIs it proposed to fortify Berbera?
§ Colonel SEELYBerbera is already fortified in an adequate manner, and Bulhar and Zeila are quite able to take care of themselves. I do not think that the House need be under apprehension as to the safety of these three ports.