HC Deb 13 June 1884 vol 289 cc244-5
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is a fact that Berber has been taken and the garrison and European traders put to the sword; and, what steps Her Majesty's Ministers are taking to save General Gordon and those dependent upon him from a similar fate?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

No, Sir; no information has been received to the above effect at the Foreign Office. I have already replied to the second Question of the hon. Member in my reply to the previous Question.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

Has the noble Lord any information to give to the House as to the European population in Berber?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I cannot give any exact information as to the number of Europeans. I have inquired into the matter, and I find it is believed there are a certain number of Greeks and Italians. M. Cuzzi left Berber some time ago, and if the hon. Member wishes it I will give him the information which the Foreign Office has with regard to M. Cuzzi.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

With regard to M. Cuzzi, whom the noble Lord had described as General Gordon's agent in Berber, I wish to ask him whether it is the fact that he is a prisoner now in the hands of the Arabs, and has been forced to embrace Mahomedanism?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAUEICE

I cannot state anything on that subject as a matter of positive fact; but, as I have just stated in the reply which I have already given, I am quite ready to give the House all the information I have, and it will be laid on the Table on Monday.