§ MR. O'KELLYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether His Majesty the Sultan was consulted about the appointment of Baker Pasha as General of the Egyptian Army; whether it is true that Baker Pasha abandoned his post, and left Constantinople without the permission of the Sultan or his Military superiors; and, whether Baker Pasha is now, in fact, a deserter from the Turkish Army?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, Her Majesty's Government have no concern with any question which may have arisen between the Turkish Government and Baker Pasha with regard to his employment in Egypt, or as to whether he is a deserter or not.
§ MR. O'KELLYThe hon. Member has not told us whether or not the Sultan was consulted in the appointment of 275 Baker Pasha to the command of an Army which is supposed to belong to the Sultan.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEWe consider, Sir, we have no responsibility at all in the matter. We have not taken any steps to inform ourselves in regard to it, because we disclaim all responsibility in the proceeding.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLDoes the hon. Gentleman mean to say that the Egyptian Government acted independently of the English Government?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEI stated so yesterday.