§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked, the Secretary of State for War, Whether 159 Her Majesty's Government have yet received the proclamation offering a reward for the capture of Osman Digna; and, whether he can state the text to the House?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONLord Northbrook has received a telegram from Admiral Hewett, stating that Osman Digna killed two of the Admiral's messengers, and that he looked upon him as a murderer. We have also received the full text of the Proclamation which has been issued, and I am sorry to say its terms are such as Her Majesty's Government cannot approve. Lord Northbrook has telegraphed this morning to Sir William Hewett to that effect, and also given directions that the offer is to be withdrawn in the manner that will be considered most judicious on his part.
MR. J. LOWTHERI understood the noble Lord to say yesterday that a general instruction had been issued to the effect that no Proclamation of apolitical character should be issued in the Soudan or Lower Egypt without the previous consent of Sir Evelyn Baring. May I ask if that applies to all officers, civil and military?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe instructions I referred to were, no doubt, general; but I believe they specially applied to the report received of the issuing of this Proclamation. I think they were to the effect that no such Proclamation—by which I mean a Proclamation of a political character— should be issued without previous consultation with Sir Evelyn Baring.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe instruction was sent to the Admiral, and an instruction of a similar character has been sent to General Graham.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONNo, Sir. I am not aware that instructions of a similar character have been given to General Gordon; but the House is aware of the original instructions given to him. He was directed, I think, to communicate with Her Majesty's Government through Sir-Evelyn Baring.
§ MR. HEALYWill the public withdrawal of the Proclamation, as well as the original Proclamation, which was an invitation to assassination, be laid on the Table?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI do not admit that the Proclamation was an invitation to assassination. I cannot see any objection to the publication of the withdrawal of the Proclamation when it is received.
§ SIR ALEXANDER GORDONI beg to ask whether, after such an exhibition of total ignorance of all the commonest rules of warfare, Her Majesty's Government propose to retain Admiral Hewett in command in the Soudan, as it might lead to disastrous consequences?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONHer Majesty's Government have no intention of recalling Sir William Hewett.