HC Deb 10 July 1882 vol 271 cc1939-41
MR. ONSLOW

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he could state approximately how many British subjects there are at the present time in Egypt, specifying particularly the numbers at Alexandria and Cairo?

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Before the hon. Baronet answers that Question, perhaps he will allow me to put a Question to him of which I have given him private Notice, and which, it seems to me, arises out of this Question. We wish to know, not only how many British subjects there are in Egypt, but in what position they are at the present moment? I would also ask the hon. Gentleman whether he can give any explanation or information to the House with regard to the very serious reports which have appeared in the newspapers within the last two days?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Perhaps it would be for the convenience of the House that I should answer the second Question first. The erection of earthworks at the port of Alexandria ceased on the 6th of June, as previously stated in both Houses. No information was received of any further hostile armaments until the 1st of July. On that day the Admiral telegraphed a report that it was proposed to sink stone barges and bar the channel. Information was also received that Arabi Pasha had forced the Khedive to apply to the Sultan for the withdrawal of a prohibition to strengthen the fortifications of the port. On the 3rd of July the Admiral was instructed to prevent any attempt to bar the channel, and to acquaint the Military Governor that such an attempt would be considered as a hostile act, which would be treated accordingly; if work were resumed on the earthworks, or fresh guns mounted, to inform the Military Commandant that he had orders to prevent it; and, if not immediately discontinued, to destroy the earthworks and silence the batteries if they opened fire, having given sufficient notice to the population, shipping, and foreign men-of-war. On the 4th the Admiral telegraphed that he had received a reply from the Military Governor and Arabi, who sent the Egyptian Admiral to give assurance that no channel obstructions were contemplated. On the same day he telegraphed that on the previous night two additional guns were placed in Pharos Castle, and that the parapet of the battery facing the sea-front was strengthened. He postponed the representations to the Commandant until the morning of the 6th, in consultation with the Consul General, in order to give time for British subjects to leave Cairo. On that day he wrote to the Commandant as follows:— Sir,—I have the honour to inform your Excellency that it has been officially reported to me that yesterday two or more additional guns were mounted on the sea defences, and that other warlike preparations are being made on the northern face of Alexandria against the Squadron under my command. Under there circumstances, I have to notify to your Excellency that unless such proceedings be discontinued, or if, having been discontinued, they should be renewed, it will become my duty to open fire on the works in course of construction. To this letter a reply was received denying that works were going on. On the 7th, the Consuls General of the five Powers addressed the Admiral to ask— Whether you are satisfied with the reply of the Egyptian Government in reference to the fortification works. In case the reply should not be satisfactory we think we are in a position to obtain you assurances more complete. To which he replied— If your influence with the Military Commandant induces him to act with sincerity, forbidding the continuance of fortifications, the object you aim at will have been obtained. Mere written assurances, in whatever terms they may be expressed, are of little value in view of the interests confided to me. I must strictly adhere to the terms of my communication sent to the Military Commandant should the slightest attempt be made to renew offensive works. In any ease, 24 clear hours' notice shall be given. On the 8th the approval of Her Majesty's Government of his communications to the Military Commandant and the Consuls General was conveyed to the Admiral. On the same day he reported that guns were being mounted at Fort Adjemi, five miles from the port, and he was told, that that fort did not come under the prohibition. On the 9th, having been asked, by telegraph, whether he was certain of that fact of the armament which he had reported and which had been denied by the Commandant, he replied that there was no doubt on the subject. He also informed the Government yesterday that guns were being mounted at Fort Tilseli, which commands the new port. Under these circumstances, with the approval of Her Majesty's Government, he has given the foreign Consuls notice at daylight this morning, and will commence action 24 hours afterwards, unless the forts on the Isthmus and those commanding the entrance to the harbour are temporarily surrendered for the purpose of being disarmed.

MR. ONSLOW

May I remind the hon. Baronet that he has not answered my Question?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Mr. Cartwright telegraphed yesterday that nearly all British subjects had left Alexandria, and that the few remaining would embark early this morning. He had sent a letter to the President of the Ministry, announcing the withdrawal of the British Agency. Mr. Beaman, who had been left in charge of the Consulate at Cairo, was expected at Alexandria last night. Only three Englishmen have remained at Cairo. They are servants of natives, and elected to stay. There are some British Indian subjects who do not care to leave. The Maltese are believed to have all left. There are constant means of departure from Suez and Port Said, and all the British subjects in the Provinces who are known have received warnings.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

I should like to ask whether it is true that French and other foreign vessels are leaving the harbour of Alexandria?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

The terms of any communication which may have passed between Her Majesty's Government and other Governments on this subject cannot be given without Notice.