§ MR. RICHARDasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether there is any objection to produce the letter which General Graham stated he sent to the outposts, with white flag, before the battle of Teb, and which it is understood was affixed to a pole and stuck in the sand?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONWe have received a copy of the letter referred to in the Question; but, as it is short, perhaps the most convenient course will be for me to read it. It is a translation of a letter written in Arabic, and is dated Thursday, 27th March. It is as follows:—
From General Commanding English Army to the Sheikhs of the Tribes between Trinkitat and Tokar—I summon you, in the name of the English Government, to disperse your fighting men before daybreak to-morrow morning, or the consequences will be on your own heads. Instead of fighting with English troops you should send delegates to Khartoum, to consult with Gordon Pasha as to the future settlement of the Soudan Provinces. The English Government is not at war with the Arabs; but is determined to disperse the forces now in arms in this neighbourhood and near Suakin. An answer to this letter must be left at the same place before daybreak to-morrow morning, or the consequences will be on the heads of the Sheikhs.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLMay I ask whether General Graham's despatches have arrived, and when they will be communicated to the public?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONYes; several despatches have been received, and will be published in a Special Government Gazette this evening.
§ MR. O'DONNELLwished to know whether there had been any other negotiations with the Arabs besides those referred to in the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil's Question?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONDoes the hon. Member mean before the battle of Teb? I have often referred to frequent communications which passed between Admiral Hewett and the leader of the tribes before the arrival of General Graham's force at all.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked whether General Gordon had also addressed the Sheikhs and tribes in the name of the British Government?