THE WAR COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 44, 19 February 1903, Page 3

THE WAR COMMISSION.

SslK GEORGE WHITVS EVIDENCE. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Lcndon, February 17. Sir George White, giving evidence before the War Commission, testified that prior to going to Sou'h Africa, he considered the expenditure in preparations for the war too restricted. He went out and uninformed of any ptan of campaign. General Symonf, in an interview at Durban, I urged him to hold Glencoe. Nevertheless he ocly retained a force there owing to the Governor of Natal eaiphas zing the probable effect of a withdrawal on the p op'p, The acti n at Talana Hill produced a valuable iffec'. He justified his strategy in holding Ladysmith, which upset the Boir plan of campaign and saved Natal. He in'ended as a last resort to cut his way out. GENERAL EVIDENCE. Received 17, 11 36 p.m. London, February 17. General Buller testified to the War Commission that when he was selected in June, 1899, as Oommander-in-Ohief in the event of war, he concurred with Lord Lanadowne that an army corps, cavahy division, and ssven battalions of the line w re sufficient if the war was confined to the Transvaal, bu f . be declared it impracticable to ignore the Fret) Sta'e, as the only practicable rou'e was through *h-> Free State. He estimated thtt 15000 south of the Tuguela would suffice fo.- Natal's preliminary defence, ai h-j did not anticipate the Cape would be seriously invaded until ihe Baeas succeeded in Natal. He foresaw at the l-egii n>ng of September that this was inevitable, and rtcommended a diplomatic delay to strengthen the colonies. He recommended on the 24fch that in the event of war, an advance be made into the Frea State, and Lord Lansdowns on the 30: h concurred. It was decided to proceed with preparat oae, except as to mobilisation. Witness had urged that reinforcements and reserves etnuld be summoned. He was always convinced that the Free S ate would co-operate with the Transvaal, The Cjmmand r-in-Chief designate ought to have been mire fully consulted. He was not instructed regarding the plan of campaign. He added that the relief of Kimberley was decided upon owing to persons there, at the end of October, repressing its danger. General Buller's examination was adjourned. '