56. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now state the number of natives killed by the recent expedition in Northern Nigeria arising out of the murder of Mr. Campbell; and whether any judicial inquiry preceded the expedition or formed part of it?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)The number of casualties among the natives, according to a report recently received, is estimated at 179. I may add that certain aspects of the matter have appeared to me to require further explanation, and I am again communicating with the Governor on the subject.
Mr. HARVEYCan we take it from that answer that the right hon. Gentleman feels that an expedition involving the loss of 179 lives is not the best way of maintaining British justice in a case of this, kind?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI do not see for the moment how I can answer that. I am making further inquiry.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Campbell, who was murdered, was universally respected by the natives and whites in that country?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI am fully aware of that.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the natives became frightened of the expedition when they saw a number of flags stuck in the ground all around, and that this was one of the causes of their distrust?