THE SPION DESPATCHES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 95, 7 May 1900, Page 2

THE SPION DESPATCHES.

PUBLICATION OF TELEGRAMS.

Received 5, 9.45 a.m,

London, May 4,

Preparatory for to-night's debate in the House of Commons upon the action of the War Office and the generals' references to the Spion Kop reverse, the Government has published a number of telegrams throwing light on what occurred. The telegrams are those which passed between Lord Lansdowne, Secretary for War, Lord Roberts and General Buller.

Lord Lansdowne apparently feared to disclose the information, as it might prove useful to the enemy, He consulted Lord Roberts on the advisability of issuing a selection from General Buller's reports with Lord Uoburts't criticisms thereon, or securing through Lord Roberta a fresh narrative from General Buller with a viow to publica i.ion, inviting Lord Roberta to add a jiodifiod criticism. Tbs '/W,>s and Ik'V// K?.m u-.:ite in blaming the attempt to shift thaw-

sponsibili-y in connection with thi alfair. 'J he Times, while denouncing the official request to the generals tc "cook" their opinions with the idea of deluding the public, warmly commends General Culler's refusal to co-operate in white-washing anyone, even himself. Lord Roberts did not object to th< publication of ejections from his criticisms, Loid Lanbthwno to make tlv selection. This was accordingly done. THE DEBATE IN THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. (Received 6,6 p.m.) London, May 5. In the Spion Kop debate the Government was strongly attacked by both Houses for shirking the responsibility of the publication of the despatches. The Marquis of Lansdowne and Mr. Balfour indignantly denied that they wished General Buller to "cook" the despatches, and considered the censures passed on Buller were mild. A division in the House of Commons resulted in a Government majority of 99 out of a total of 331 votes cast. The vote is taken as no test of the extent of the Government's supporters' dissatisfaction in the publishing of the despatches at all. The Duke of York and the Prince of Naples were present during the debate