§ MR. ONSLOWasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Her Majesty's Government approve of the action taken by Sir A. Alison in sending three officers to the Soudan without escort; what is to be the destination of these officers; what instructions have been given to these officers; and, whether Papers on the subject will be laid upon the Table?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the hon. Gentleman, I have to state that Colonel Stewart and three other officers have been sent to make inquiry as to the present state of affairs in the Soudan. They are, under no circumstances, to assume to act in any military capacity. I am not aware that Sir Archibald Alison has given them any further instructions; but the question of an escort had necessarily to be left to his discretion, and I have no reason to disapprove his 1403 decision. I cannot say at present whether any Papers will be laid on the Table.
§ MR. ONSLOWasked what the destination of the expedition was. Was it Khartoum?
§ MR. CHILDERSThe telegram says the Soudan; but I presume it will be Khartoum.