HC Deb 30 October 1882 vol 274 cc366-7
MR. LABOUCHERE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government contemplate taking any steps to prevent the enlistment of Circassians, Albanians, and the inhabitants of other such semi-civilized countries, in a so-called Egyptian army under the command of Baker Pacha, and officered by Englishmen, so long as the Khedival authority is protected by British bayonets? He also asked, Whether Her Majesty's Government is a party to any treaty, alliance, or compact, with any Foreign Power, or Powers, which would oblige it to prevent the Egyptians from exercising that control over their taxation, expenditure, and administration, which is enjoyed by the inhabitants of the independent and semi-independent States which formerly were integral parts of the Ottoman Empire; and, if so, where this treaty, al- liance, or compact, is to be found? On behalf of the hon. Member for Carlisle (Sir Wilfrid Lawson), the hon. Member also asked. Whether any further information has been received about the cruelties and insults to which Egyptian prisoners are said to be subjected?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Replying first to the third Question of the hon. Member, I have to say that we have no further news about the matter. The reply to the hon. Member's first Question is that we have been informed that the recruiting of Circassians, Albanians, and foreigners has ceased. We shall be consulted by the Egyptian Government in any further steps that may be taken. In answer to the hon. Member's second Question, I have to say that Her Majesty's Government are not a party to any secret treaty, alliance, or compact with any Foreign Power or Powers respecting the affairs of Egypt; and, with regard to engagements of any other character, they are all in the possession of the House. The Question asked is not one of fact, but of inference and argument, and cannot properly be discussed within the limits or in the form of a reply.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

I wish to ask the hon. Gentleman whether the cost of the Army which is to be organized by Baker Pasha is to be regulated by the Chamber of Notables or not?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I can only say that the sum of £380,000 was set aside some years ago for the purposes of the Army in Egypt. No further discussion has taken place up to the present time.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether that sum is to be limited to the sum spent on the Army, and if that implies that it is still to be under the direction of the Joint Control?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

No, Sir; it implies nothing of the kind.

MR. GORST

Will the Government inform us, as Her Majesty's Government were not consulted with reference to the appointment of Baker Pasha, on what ground they believe they will be consulted on this question?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Because Her Majesty's Government have informed the Egyptian Government that they expect to be consulted.