§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is a fact that British Infantry are being advanced to Assouan; and, if so, 1240 whether this be intended to check the armed movement of the Mahdi and his followers; and, what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Ministers to save General Gordon and those dependent upon him at Khartoum from the fate of the garrisons of Sinkat and Berber?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONYes, Sir; a battalion of British Infantry is leaving Assiout for Assouan. The reason given by Sir Frederick Stephen-son is, that the tribes in front are becoming troublesome, and that it is desirable to support Egyptian troops, and to give confidence to the Natives. As to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, we have at present no certain information of the fate of the garrison at Berber. It is believed, though it is not absolutely certain, that the place has been taken, or has surrendered; but the report of the massacre of the garrison is in no way confirmed. With reference to General Gordon and the garrison of Khartoum, the Government have received no information which leads them to modify the statements which they have previously made of their views and intentions. The latest information received is contained in a telegram dated yesterday, in which it is stated—
Chermside telegraphs to-day— 'Pilgrims have arrived at Suakin; 40 days from Khartoum, and 24 from Berber; report Khartoum in hands of Government; steamers going and arriving; a few Arabs only on the road between Khartoum and Berber; latter was in hands of Government; there were soldiers there; road clear, except near Suakin.'Under these circumstances, I am unable to add anything to the statements already made respecting General Gordon and Khartoum.
§ MR. BERESFORDIs it intended to replace the Sussex Regiment by any other from Cairo?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONGeneral Stephonson, I think, reported that he was prepared to send another, or two battalions if necessary; but orders have not been given for the removal of any further troops from Cairo.
§ MR. CHAPLINAre we to understand that the Government are taking no steps, or have made no preparations up to the present time, to save Khartoum?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI stated the other day, in answer to 1241 the right hon. Member for King's Lynn. (Mr. Bourke), all the information we had, and I mentioned that the Government were making some preparations, the nature of which I did not give. No decision has been come to in respect to an expedition, or with regard to the construction of a railway between Suakin and Berber.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWith reference to the noble Lord's answer to the first part of my Question, may I ask whether these Arab Tribes, whom the British troops are being advanced to Assouan to hold in check or control, are people struggling to be free?
§ [No reply.]