HC Deb 22 May 1884 vol 288 cc1009-10
MR. GOURLEY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is true that the Government intend sending a flotilla of armed boats to Dongola, Berber, Khartoum, and other besieged places on the Upper Nile, for the purpose of relieving the garrisons, so soon as there is sufficient water to float the boats over the cataracts; and, further, what mea- sures, if any, are being adopted to communicate with General Gordon?

VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE

I wish to ask, whether the Government are, or have been, in communication with Messrs. Cook, of Cook's tourist lame, in reference to the supply of vessels for the rescue of General Gordon?

MR. GLADSTONE

With respect to the Question on the Paper, what has happened is simply this. On the requisition of General Stephenson, and with the full assent of the Admiralty at home, Lord John Hay is at present making arrangements for patrolling by steamboats a certain portion of the Nile. I am not able to state absolutely as to what that portion is; but I believe it is above Assiout, and it is certainly below Wady Halfa. Whether it extends all the way to Wady Halfa I do not know. These steamers belong to the Khedive; but there will be a small company of British, sailors on board each. It is purely a measure having reference to arrangements in the interior of Egypt.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Are British officers on board?

MR. GLADSTONE

I presume that is probable; I think it must be so.

VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE

I shall ask a Question to-morrow on the subject.

MR. GLADSTONE

I find that I omitted to answer one part of the hon. Member's Question. Her Majesty's Government are using every effort they can to communicate with General Gordon; but it would not be of advantage, and might be very inconvenient, if the exact means employed were now stated.