BRITISH SURRENDERS IN AFRICA.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 17 April 1901, Page 4

BRITISH SURRENDERS IN AFRICA.

Enquiry to db Thorough.

The Government have this week (writes the London correspondent of the Melbourne Argus, on Ist March) given a public assurance of their intention to afford the fullest possiblo publicity to tho circumstances attending tho surrender of British troops in Africa. In reply to enquiries in Parliament. Mr Brodrick and Mr Balfour have explained that tho War Office has decided to follow tho practice Admiralty. It was intended to hold Courts of Enquiry, and where theso Courts established a prnua-facio case ugdinst an officer hi wou'd bo publicly tried by court-martial. Discretion would be loft with tho Commaudcr-in-Chief

and ihe Secretary of State as to what, ifanything should be made public as a result of the Courtsof Enquiry. Already thero had [icon 99 Courts of Enquiry with regard to 20 operations ; 10 officers had been dismissed from the army or put upon half pay, and penalties had been imposed on others. In some eases oiricers bad been given to understand their chances of promotion had been impaired, Mr. Brodrick further announced that within a fortnight of his entering on the duties of Secretary of State he had resolved that no officer, whatever Ids rank or previous record, would be employed in any Home command from Africa, except on the direct recommendation of Lord or Lord Kitchener. While prompt punishment would follow misconduct, merit would be promptly rewarded, and ho had already asked for the names of deserving officers. Mr Balfour added that there would be a general enquiry when the war was over, and the committee would have power to send for witnesses and documents. There would bo no attempt at concealment in any matter which, in the interest of the public, the committee desired to investigate. The Opposition front bench appear to have been satisfied with these declarations of the War Secretary and the Leader _of the House ; and the public are gratified I that it is Mr Brodrick's intention to inaugurate a policy of "thorough."