TROOPS FOR THE CAPE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 170, 20 July 1903, Page 2

TROOPS FOR THE CAPE.

BRITAIN'S GARRISON IN SOUTH

AFRIOA.

Press Association. Electric Telegraph, Copyright. London, July 17. In submitting the War Office vote in the House of Commons, Mr Brodrick, Minister for War, while not personally enthusiastic, announced the decision of the Committee on Defence—a decision attributed by some subsequent speakers to Mr Chamberlain's influence—to maintain in South Afrioa a permanent force of twenty-five thousand outside the linked battalion system, comprising four cavalry regiments, twelve bat* teries of field artillery, fourteen battalions of line and four garrison regiments. Mr Brodrick explained that recruits would be sent from England to S«uth | Africa, and trained toJorra portion of j the permanent twenty-five thousand, a force which would be always ready to reinforce India in case of emergency. As this involved an increased cost of a million and a half, Mr Brodriok said he hoped India would contribute a portion. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman deprecated the suggestion of a contribution from India, which he regarded as ungenerous. Major E. Beckett and other members hoped a corresponding reduction in the Home establishment would be arranged at a later stage of the season with a view to reducing the cost.

Mr Brodriok announced that four new quick-firing batteries would be delivered in August.