ABSTRACT
Dr. Rutherfoord Harris was fully alive to the risk of despatching the rifles and ammunition by the coast route, but any hesitation vanished as he read Schulz’ letter, and realised that without prompt action the Gazaland Concession was lost. The natives generally of the Gazaland coast were demoralised by drink. Accordingly he decided on the somewhat hazardous plan, suggested by Gungunyana himself, of running a cargo up the Limpopo River. Opinions may differ as to the wisdom of the Company in sending a cargo of firearms into a territory whose ownership was under debate between higher authorities, but the seizure of the vessel was wholly without justification. The Portuguese authorities had put themselves out of court by allowing the cargo to be landed, and accepting a bond for payment of their unascertained dues, and Lord Salisbury very properly insisted on the release of the ship.
