HC Deb 21 February 1884 vol 284 cc1603-4
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Sultan of Turkey, who is Sovereign of Egyptian Territory, was consulted by Her Majesty's Government as to the abandonment of the Soudan, which Her Majesty's Ministers are now forcing upon the Khedive, his vassal? The hon. Member also asked, whether the Sultan had given his assent to the Proclamation respecting the Slave Trade which had just been issued on the authority of Her Majesty's Government and the Khedive?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I must ask my hon. Friend to give Notice of his second Question. With reference to the Question on the Paper, the Sultan was not consulted on the subject.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

What! I beg pardon. The noble Lord replied so quietly I did not grasp it. I wish to know whether the House is to understand the noble Lord to state that the Sovereign of that country was not consulted before the order for the abandonment was given?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

My answer was very distinct, and I am sorry it did not reach the hon. Gentleman. The Sultan was not previously consulted on the subject.

MR. J. LOWTHER

I understand the noble Lord to say he was not previously consulted. [Cries of "Notice!" from the Home Rulers.] I am perfectly in Order. Are we to understand that the Sultan has been consulted since?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I used the word "previously," and I used the word advisedly.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Exactly; therefore I beg to ask whether the Porte has been consulted since?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I must ask the right hon. Gentleman to give Notice of that Question.