HC Deb 29 February 1884 vol 285 c324
SIR WILFRID LAWSON

Before the House adjourns, seeing the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Local Government Board (Sir Charles W. Dilke) in his place, I wish to ask whether, since the House met, Her Majesty's Government have received any further information as to the state of affairs at Suakin, and of the operations of the forces?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, Her Majesty's Government have seen the telegrams received from Reuter's Agency, which contain information that has not been confirmed by the Government telegrams. The latest telegram that has been received is one from Consul Baker at Suakin, dated 1st March, 1 A.M., and received at the Foreign Office at half-past 12 to-night. The telegram is as follows:— Suakin very quiet—town and camp. No appearance of enemy in the direction indicated—namely, beyond outposts. No news of results of engagement, but may be expected at daybreak. There is no reason to suppose, otherwise than from this telegram, that there has been any engagement at all. On the other hand, Reuter's telegrams seem to contradict that statement.