GENERAL BULLER EXAMINED.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11512, 19 February 1903, Page 5

GENERAL BULLER EXAMINED.

(Received February 18th, 11.36 p.m.) LONDON, February 18.

General Buller testified before the War Commission that when selected in June, 1899, as Conimander-in-Chief in the event of war, he concurred with Lord Lansdowne that an Army Corps, consisting of a cavalry division and seven battalions, on the lines of communication wou_d be sufficient if the war were confined to the Transvaal, but he also declared that it was impossible to ignore the Free State, as the only practicable route was through the Free State.

He estimated that fifteen thousand men couth of the Tugela would suffice for Natai's preliminary defence, and he did not anticipate that the Cape wxraLd be seriously invaded until the Boers succeeded in IJaUd. He foresaw at the beginning of September, 1899, tihat war was inevitable, and recommended diplomatic delay in order to strengthen the colonies. He recommended on the 24th of that month that in the event of war an advance should be mode into the Free State. Lord Lanstiowne on the 30th concurred, and it was decided tq proceed with, the preparations, except as regarded mobilisation.

Witness urged that reinforoemente and tie reservesfeoudd be summoned on die 7th. He had been convinced tihat the Free State co-operate witih the Transvaal The Commander-in-Oliief designate ougiht to have been more fuUy consulted. He was not instructed regarding the plan of campaign. He added thai nhe relief of Kimbeffley was decided upon owing to persons there at the end of October representing ite danger-

General BuEer's examination was adljouroed.