§ 13. Colonel YATEasked whether the posts at Sheikh and Burao, in Somaliland, are now occupied by British garrisons; and, if so, in what strength?
Mr. HARCOURTAccording to my latest information there were 350 camel constabulary and 200 Indian contingent at Sheikh, but one company of the constabulary has been called in by the Commissioner to Berbera in consequence of the recent Dervish raid. There is no garrison at Burao.
§ 14. Colonel YATEasked what is the strength and composition of the present garrison of Berbera; whether the official quarter only is defended; whether the water supply of that quarter can be easily cut, and whether the native town, which is three-quarters of a mile distant, is practically undefended; and what steps it is proposed to take to protect the supply and to prevent the native town being harried by further raids?
Mr. HARCOURTThe present garrison consists of 260 Carnatic Infantry, with one company of the Camel Corps. I have no knowledge of the actual disposition of the troops in the town itself, but, in order to minimise the possibility of a recurrence 354 of a raid, outposts are being established at suitable places in the neighbourhood, and steps are being taken to obtain 200 additional troops from Aden, pending the arrival of the new draft of 200 men for the Indian Contingent, which is due within two months.