§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have sent, or propose to 421 send, any reply to General Gordon's Letter; and, especially, whether they will at once inform him of their intention to make preparations for an expedition for his relief; and, whether they will satisfy themselves of the truth of the statement that the people of Khartoum and the district desire to have the old Government back, but are much afraid of the Mahdi's Arabs; and, if that feeling exists, will give it due weight in considering the policy to be adopted with regard to Khartoum?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEA reply to General Gordon's letter was sent on July 24 through the Mudir of Dongola. It is presumably in the possession also of Major Kitchener, who was to leave Dongola for Debbeh on August 8. After referring to the messages of April 23 and May 17, it stated that Her Majesty's Government were anxious to learn from General Gordon himself his views and position, so that they might be able to take measures accordingly. Her Majesty's Government are taking every means to communicate with General Gordon, and will keep him informed, so far as lies in their power, of the preparations that are being made. As I informed the House on Friday, the statement that the people of Khartoum and the district desired to have the old Government back is the statement of the messenger who brought General Gordon's letter. Her Majesty's Government cannot attach much importance to this statement. They look to Major Kitchener for reliable information on this as well as on other subjects; but they are not prepared to alter the advice they have given to the Government of the Khedive as to withdrawing from Khartoum.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHWill the reply be laid on the Table?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI have laid to-day further Papers on Egypt, and I will consult with the Secretary of State as to laying the reply to General Gordon's letter on the Table.