HC Deb 10 March 1884 vol 285 cc1045-6
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for War, in the absence of the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will direct Admiral Sir William Hewett, now commanding at Suakin, to make every effort, including power of ransom, for the release of the wives and families of the Commandant and the garrison of Sinkat, who have been sold into slavery by Osman Digna?

MR. O'DONNELL

said, that he desired, at the same time, to ask, whether the Government would make every effort, including power of ransom, for the release of the wives and families of those who were being sold into slavery under General Gordon?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett) may be sure that Admi- ral Hewett will be instructed to do everything within his power for the release of the unfortunate persons referred to; but it is impossible, under present circumstances, to state what exact steps will be taken for that purpose.

MR. GIBSON

Has he yet been instructed?

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

said, that he had asked whether the Government had refused to make an offer of ransom. Only a few hundred pounds would be required for the release of these unfortunate persons.

MR. O'DONNELL

asked, whether the Government refused to take into consideration the case of the wives and families of those who were being sold into slavery under General Gordon?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

There has been no refusal on the part of Her Majesty's Government. I distinctly stated that the attention of Admiral Hewett had been directed to the subject, and that instructions had been given to him with reference to it.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

May we have those instructions?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I cannot make any promise with reference to them at this moment.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

I beg to give Notice that on Thursday next I shall move for a copy of the instructions to which the noble Lord has just referred.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

In regard to the Notice just given, I do not think it would be possible at present to lay those instructions on the Table of the House. They form part of the confidential communications that have passed on the subject of the military operations, and those instructions could not be separated from the remainder of the telegram in which they are contained.