HC Deb 27 February 1884 vol 285 cc32-3
SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked the Prime Minister, Whether the Government had received any information leading them to doubt the accuracy of the report that Tokar had fallen into the hands of Osman Digna?

MR. GLADSTONE

My hon. Friend is aware that information comes to me through the War Office, the Admiralty, or the Foreign Office, and consequently I cannot absolutely speak on this matter at first hand. With that reservation, all I have to say is that we see no reason in our own minds to doubt that Tokar has fallen, but we have not certain and official information of the fact.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

If that is the case, on what authority is General Graham allowed to advance into the interior of the country?

MR. GLADSTONE

To answer that Question fully it would be necessary for me to produce the exact instructions that have been sent to General Graham. We think that that would be so evil an example that I must express a hope that my hon. Friend will remain satisfied with the general, but not otherwise insignificant, assurance given by the noble Lord the Secretary of State for War and by myself on Monday night.