HL Deb 22 February 1900 vol 79 cc769-70
THE DUKE OF ABERCORN

I should like to ask the noble Marquess the Prime Minister whether he has any war news to communicate to the House.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)

My noble friend Lord Lansdowne is at Windsor, but he has sent me the following telegram from Lord Roberts. It is not very conclusive, but may be worth reading to the House— Paardeberg, February 21. Yesterday afternoon I was satisfied by a careful reconnaissance in force of the enemy's position that I could not assault it without a very heavy loss, which I was most anxious to avoid. Accordingly. I decided to bombard him with artillery and to turn my attention to the enemy's reinforcements. The result was most satisfactory. The Boers were driven off in all directions, losing a good many killed and wounded and about fifty prisoners, who state that they arrived from Ladysmith two days ago by railway. They say that it was our artillery lire which caused them to abandon the kopje they were occupying. Our loss consisted of two officers, Captain Campbell, 9th Lancers, and Lieutenant Houston, Royal Horse Artillery, and four men, all slightly wounded.

EARL CARRINGTON

May I ask the noble Marquess whether the report that an armistice, has been asked for by General Cronje has been confirmed?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I have heard nothing of it whatever.