§ 37. Mr. FELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received full Reports on the raid made on Berbera by the followers of the Mad Mullah; if ho can state how it was that the raiders were enabled to penetrate within the defences of the town; and if it is now secured from similar raids?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)I have just received a Report, from which it appears that it had not hitherto been considered necessary to provide for the defence of the native town. The Commissioner has now taken steps to prevent the recurrence of similar raids, which, in his opinion, will sufficiently meet the present needs of the situation.
§ Mr. FELLWill any Report be laid upon the Table with regard to the disconcerting and alarming news which has come over? Shall we have any statement in regard to it?
§ Mr. HARCOURTIt would be very undesirable to lay any Report as to the suggested precautions against future raids. I will consider later on whether any papers can be laid.
§ Colonel YATEWhen is Burao likely to be occupied?
§ Mr. HARCOURTAs soon as the forces have been obtained and are ready to move up there.