§ EARL CADOGANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether any fresh information had been received by the Government from South Africa?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYIn answer to the Question which has been put to me by the noble Earl, I will read the two latest telegrams which we have received. The first is from Brigadier General Wood, and is dated March 1. It is as follows:—
Estcourt, 8 35 a.m.I hope that loss was exaggerated in first news from front. Road is open to Newcastle. Fraser, Royal Engineers, walked into Camp Prospect at 4 a.m.1915 The other is from Assistant Adjutant General Wavell, and is dated Pieter-maritzburg, March 1, 1881, and is in these words—Officer Commanding Mount Prospect reports Fraser arrived this morning not wounded. Surgeon-Major Cornish wounded. Surgeon Landon and Lieutenant Trower, R.N., dead. No news yet of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart.I am glad to say that we have just received news that Lieutenant Colonel Stewart is among the prisoners and not wounded, and that the body of the late Sir George Colley has been brought into camp. The officer commanding at Mount Prospect reports (just received)—Total engaged, 35 officers, 693 men. Casualties.—Officers—killed, 3; wounded, 9; prisoners, 7; missing, 1–20. Non-commissioned officers and men—killed, 82; wounded, 122: prisoners, 50; missing, 12–266,The loss is, therefore, not quite so large as we were at first led to suppose. My Lords, I promised yesterday that I would inform the House of the arrangements made in consequence of this disaster. In the first place, your Lordships are aware that Sir Frederick Roberts has been appointed Commander of the troops. He will also hold the offices held by the late Sir George Colley—that is, Governor of Natal, Governor of the Transvaal, and High Commissioner of South-East Africa. It is advisable, as your Lordships will see, that these appointments should be held in conjunction, because it is necessary that all the civil and military authority should be concentrated in one person. I observe that it has been stated in some quarters that Sir Hercules Robinson's commission as High Commissioner over all the Colonies was revived on the death of Sir George Colley. That is the fact; but we are of opinion that, in present circumstances, it is out of the question that he should continue to act for all the Colonies. I may mention that, at the present moment, Sir Evelyn Wood is Commander of the troops and temporary Governor of Natal; and Mr. Mitchell, Colonial Secretary, acts as Deputy Governor. I will now state the arrangements which we have made in consequence of the lamented death of Sir George Colley, and the force which is to be sent out. Orders have been issued that six Infantry regiments shall proceed to Natal. Two regiments of Cavalry are prepared 1916 to be sent out, and Sir Evelyn Wood has boon asked whether he would have the means of supporting another Cavalry regiment, and whether he desires another regiment to be despatched. He has been further asked whether he desires transport animals, such as mules. These communications have all been made after consultation with Sir Frederick Roberts, and in accordance with his opinion. He himself is also in communication with Sir Evelyn Wood, and all the force I have mentioned will be very shortly in the Colony. I should also mention that drafts to the extent of 1,500 men have been ordered to fill up the regiments already abroad, and that the men of the Reserve will at once be asked to volunteer for the regiments going out, without any preference being given as between those men who are of six and seven years' service. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has reason to believe that the Reserve men will answer the call in a very satisfactory manner. One observation, my Lords, I wish to add before I sit down. I am sure your Lordships must have seen, with the greatest interest, the admirable accounts which have appeared in the newspapers from the Correspondents and others on the spot. They are of invaluable service, and we all must admire the courage and intelligence with which these gentlemen discharge their duty; but I hope I shall not be misunderstood if I take this opportunity of appealing to them to be extremely careful, while they give us all the information as to what takes place, not to communicate any information in regard to future movements which may be of advantage to our opponents. In the present condition of rapid communication everything can be known in South Africa in the course of a few hours. I am sure, my Lords, we may rely upon these gentlemen to exercise a wise discretion in the matter.
§ THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGEMy Lords, I may be allowed strongly to express the same opinion. I think, while the public are informed by those gentlemen, who have shown the greatest amount of talent in their vocation, that their communications should be limited to what actually takes place. It would be most serious if they gave—I am sure it would be given unintentionally—any information as to what is to be done, seeing that such intelligence may be 1917 made known in the Colony in a few hours. That information should be only within our own knowledge and the knowledge of our officers. Therefore, while we admire the manner in which those gentlemen perform their duties, I do appeal to their patriotism and good feeling towards their own country to be extremely careful in their communications, and to give no information which may be of harm to us. My Lords, I think that the selection of Sir Frederick Roberts for the chief command in South Africa, in succession to Sir George Colley, is a most excellent one. With regard to the late Sir George Colley, I am sure there is no one in this House who does not appreciate his gallantry, and who does not feel that his loss is a serious one. I shall make no observations as to how this unfortunate disaster occurred; they would be here quite out of place.
§ EARL CADOGANasked, was it to be understood that Sir Hercules Robinson now filled the office of High Commissioner in South-East Africa, as well as his present position?