HC Deb 25 February 1884 vol 284 cc1863-4
MR. GIBSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, When Lord Granville telegraphed, on February 7th, to Sir E. Baring— If possible, ask Gordon whether change of circumstances affects his judgment as to going to Khartoum, and whether he has any suggestions to make, what change of circumstances was referred to; when, on February 10th, Lord Granville telegraphed to Sir E. Baring— Ask Gordon whether he can suggest anything respecting Sinkat and Tokar, had any steps been taken to apprise General Gordon that Baker Pasha had been defeated on the 5th; and, what were the date and words of the first message received by General Gordon, telling him of Baker Pasha's defeat?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The change of circumstances referred to was the defeat of Baker Pasha. My answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's second Question is in the affirmative. Gordon Pasha received the intelligence of the defeat from Sir Evelyn Baring on his arrival at Berber on the 11th. Lord Granville had on the 5th telegraphed to Sir Evelyn Baring to do what was possible to acquaint Gordon Pasha with the news. Sir Evelyn Baring replied on the 7th that he would, of course, keep General Gordon fully informed, but he could not communicate with him by telegraph till he arrived at Berber. The text of Sir Evelyn Baring's message to General Gordon is not in the possession of Her Majesty's Government.

MR. GIBSON

Is the House to understand that all the time the first four telegrams were sent to General Gordon he did not know the changed circumstances with reference to which his opinion was asked?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

There was a further telegram. As already explained by the Prime Minister, General Gordon for a certain number of days, while between Korosko and Berber, was not within reach of telegraphic communication.