HC Deb 28 April 1914 vol 61 cc1512-3
29. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any report has been received of a raid by dervishes recently on cattle pastures occupied by men of the Musa Abokr clan of the Habr Toljala tribe, when thirteen herds men were surrounded at night and twelve of them murdered; if the murdered men belong to a tribe which is nominally under British protection; if the place where the occurrence took place is within this country's sphere of influence; and whether any and, if so, what steps will be taken to punish these repeated attacks on friendly tribes?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 21st of April. I have asked the officer administrating the Government of Somaliland for a report on the raid which is stated to have taken place.

Mr. F. HALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any idea when the report is likely to be forthcoming?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think in the course of the returning mail.

Mr. F. HALL

I will repeat it on this day week.

Mr. HARCOURT

I will inform the hon. Member when I have got the answer.