§ MR. SAMPSON LLOYDasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any letters written by General Gordon, which are alleged to have been handed to Sir Charles Wilson on 21st January last, or whether they have received any copies of them or of any of them; whether they have received any of the five complete monthly diaries of the siege of Khartoum (alleged to have been handed to Sir Charles Wilson) or any copies thereof; and, if they have received any of the above, whether they will communicate them to the House?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThere is a similar Question on the Paper to the Secretary of State for War by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bradford (Mr. W. E. Forster). I may, however, point out at once that it is impossible for any letters, papers, or any other documents handed over on the 21st of January to Sir Charles Wilson, near Metammeh, to be at the present moment in the hands of Her Majesty's Government.
MR. BOUEREWill the noble Lord state whether he recollects what has become of the journals or the diaries of General Gordon?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICENo, I cannot state from memory; but I will inquire.