§ SIR FREDERICK MILNERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Her Majesty's Government gave, as one of their principal reasons for not attempting the rescue of General Gordon in the Spring, that it was impossible for British troops to endure the heat of Southern Egypt in the hot season; whether British troops are now quartered at Assouan under canvas; whether the health of those gallant men is seriously imperilled by their being exposed, under canvas, to the scorching sun and excessive heat of Southern Egypt at this season; and, whether the maintenance of British troops at Assouan adds greatly to the expenses?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONIn general terms the climate was given as one of the principal reasons for not sending the troops asked for by General Gordon; but this referred to troops actively engaged in a campaign. I am not aware that the troops at Assouan are quartered under canvas. The latest information I possess points to their being either hutted or in process of being hutted. Some increase of expense is no doubt caused by troops being stationed at Assouan; but I cannot say what it is.