§ EARL CADOGANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government had that day received any additional news from the Transvaal?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYThe following telegram has been received to-day:—
From the General Officer Commanding Natal and Transvaal to the Secretary of State for War—February 7.All quiet in front. Post between hero and Newcastle stopped to-day by strong Boer patrol. Reinforcements marching up, but weather very unfavourable. Death since last return—58th Regiment, T. Fitz Harris.
§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, 331 Whether he had received any further information, confirmatory or otherwise, on the subject of the following telegram from Sir Hercules Robinson, which appeared in The Times of that morning:—
Our loss heavy, in consequence of treacherous conduct of Boors, who, after hoisting the white hag, fired upon our men on two occasions when they left cover. Colonel Gildea and orderly, both healing white flags, were fired upon when within 60 yards of laager; both escaped. This is the third time that treacherous use has been made of white flag.He wished to know whether it was true?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYThere have been statements in the newspapers to the effect mentioned in the telegram read by the noble Earl; but I have not the means of knowing precisely what has occurred, and until I am aware exactly of what has taken place I should not like to state the course which we should feel it our duty to pursue. Such statements, however, have reached Her Majesty's Government.