HC Deb 15 February 1884 vol 284 cc1019-20
MR. GIBSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Will he mention the exact terms of the question addressed by the Government to General Gordon as to his opinion of the relief of the garrisons of Sinkat and Tokar, and of General Gordon's reply; and, if any telegram was sent by Her Majesty's Government to Admiral Hewett as to the relief of Sinkat after the defeat of Baker Pasha; and, if so, what were the terms and date of that message?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

In reply to the first portion of the right hon. and learned Member's Question, the telegrams on the subject have been laid on the Table this afternoon, and copies, if not already in the Library, will be sent there this evening. With reference to the second portion of the Question, I must refer the right hon. and learned Member to my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Admiralty.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

With regard to the Admiralty part of the Question, I will lay on the Table tonight copies of telegrams which passed between the Admiralty and Sir William Hewett with regard to affairs at Suakim and its neighbourhood between the 5th and 12th instant. These will include all telegrams of public interest, with the exception of a confidential telegram from Sir William Hewett in answer to a private telegram from the First Lord of the Admiralty on the 11th instant, asking for his opinion on the state of affairs. Sir William Hewett's reply being in confidence cannot obviously be published; but I may say that we have taken steps to supply him with a greater force than he asked for.

MR. GIBSON

Will the private telegram of the First Lord be included?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Yes; but, as I said, not the answer.