§ MR. LABOUCHEREasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is within his knowledge that the Mahdi is aware of the readiness of the Egyptian Government to evacuate the Soudan, and of the decision of Her Majesty's Government to recognize the independence of that country; and, if not, whether it is intended to take any steps to ensure his being put in possession of this information, and to enter into friendly relations with him?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe Mahdi is probably aware of this 1692 intention, at least as far as Kordofan is concerned, since General Gordon offered him the title of Sultan of that Province; but Her Majesty's Government have not entered into relations with him.