§ 18. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information concerning the 1st South African Rifles (Nyassaland 365 Imperial Service Contingent) and the 2nd South African Rifles (Union Central African Imperial Service Contingent); whether he is aware that these are the only two regiments which have been continuously in East Africa since more than two years ago the German South-West Africa campaign was concluded; and whether, in view of the severity of the climate in East Africa and the number of their casualties, he can announce that these regiments will be withdrawn from their present field of operations?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)The 1st and 2nd South African Rifles have served in East Africa for the period mentioned, but it must be remembered that, in common with other units in the field, they have been constantly maintained by drafts from the Union of South Africa. It is, therefore, probable that the number of men who have been in East Africa since the first arrival of those units is very small. Recently, both have, to a large extent, been employed on lines of communication or at instructional centres, under relatively easy conditions. It is regretted that the military situation does not at present admit of the withdrawal of these units, but the policy of the War Office is to substitute native for white troops in this theatre of war to the fullest possible extent.
§ Mr. ARCHDALEIs it not the case that the 1st Kings African Rifles has served at least as long, if not longer, than the two regiments referred to in the question?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI believe that is the case.
§ 25. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the accredited correspondent accompanying the Forces operating in East Africa is on the sick list and unable to send reports, he will arrange for the appointment of another correspondent to take his place, particularly as no reports whatever have yet been received from any newspaper correspondent in East Africa?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe selection of accredited correspondents does not rest with the War Office, but with the Press. All possible facilities will be granted to any correspondent selected.
§ Colonel YATEConsidering the entire absence of any news from East Africa to 366 the public, will the War Office try to arrange that a newspaper correspondent shall be sent there?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs I have said, the War Office is perfectly prepared to give every facility to any correspondent selected by the Press.