HC Deb 08 April 1884 vol 287 c39
SIR EARDLEY WILMOT (for Viscount LEWISHAM)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it is a fact that General Gordon is under no constraint and under no order to remain in the Soudan, and that he is under no inability to leave the Soudan at this moment?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, this appears to me a reference to an answer already given by me, and it states, with general accuracy, what I then said. General Gordon is under no order and under no constraint to remain in the Soudan. But, so far as we are acquainted with his intentions, he is anything but desirous to leave it at the present time; and so far as we are aware, he is under no inability to leave the Soudan at the present moment.

MR. J. LOWTHER

asked what grounds the right hon. Gentleman had for his assertion that General Gordon could leave Khartoum if he wished?

MR. GLADSTONE

That is the inference which we draw from the information at our command.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked if it was the fact that when the Government refused to appoint Zebehr Pasha they distinctly invited General Gordon to remain at Khartoum?

MR. GLADSTONE

That it was the desire of the Government that General Gordon should find himself able to remain at Khartoum, if the reasons were sufficient for it, is beyond all question; but there was nothing sent to him approaching an order or an injunction to remain.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

A request?

MR. GLADSTONE

No.