HL Deb 28 April 1896 vol 40 cc1-2
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (The Earl of SELBORNE)

I have to inform your Lordships that information has been received from an authentic source that the four principal prisoners in the Pretoria trials have been condemned to death. Since the Secretary of State for the Colonies made this announcement to the House of Commons complete confirmation of this telegram has reached the Colonial Office from Sir Hercules Robinson. Her Majesty's Government sent to him the following telegram:— Communicate the following message to President Kruger:—Her Majesty's Government have just learned that sentence of death has been passed on the chief leaders of the Reform Committee. They can feel no doubt that your Honour will commute the sentences, and they have assured Parliament of their conviction that this is your Honour's intention.

VISCOUNT CLIFDEN

Is there any objection to mentioning the names of the condemned?

THE EARL OF SELBORNE

I believe the names are Colonel Rhodes, Mr. Hammond. Mr. Phillips, and Mr. Farrer.