HC Deb 13 August 1913 vol 56 cc2512-3
Mr. BONAR LAW

May I ask the Colonial Secretary if he has any further information in regard to Somaliland?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, I have received two telegrams this morning. The first is, from the Acting Administrator at Berbera:— August 12, Berbera.—Three hundred troops arrived this morning from Aden. At Berbera all is quiet.— POWELL. The second telegram is as follows:— August 12, Sheikh.—I have withdrawn from Burao in good order, and arrived at Sheikh with all wounded (twenty-two altogether), Government stores and rations. Burao traders and others were given twenty-four hours' notice to quit before the main party left. The Indian contingent, 130 strong, with one officer and Maxim and stores, arrived here at mid-day. In addition I have twenty men with me here. I will decide later, in consultation with Summers and Kingdon, whether it is necessary to order one of the companies on their arrival from Aden to strengthen this fort. Sheikh Fort is in good repair. Signalling communication will be established as soon as possible with Berbera. The senior medical officer is on the spot. Summers is progressing favourably, and is in no danger. The Dervishes have driven off practically all the stock of the following tribes: Habr Yunis, Musa Ismail, Dolvahanta, Barkat, Rer Haggar, and Khalid, Habr Togudla, and Rer Yusuf. This must inevitably cause almost unprecedented destitution among the Friendlies. The situation generally, however, is well in hand, and there is no cause for alarm or any further emergency measures.—ARCHER.

Mr. DILLON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can give the House an assurance that there will be no forward movement of the punitive expedition until the House has an opportunity of discussing this matter?

Mr. HARCOURT

It is contrary to the whole policy of the British Government to do more than occupy the coast and a small radius from the coast of Somaliland.

Mr. D I LLON

How, then, did the Camel Corps come to be a hundred miles from the coast?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am totally unable to say why the Corps was at Idoweina until I get further information.

Colonel YATE

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the necessary steps to protect the Friendlies who have come to our assistance?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes; all necessary steps will be taken.