§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can state why Her Majesty's Ministers, in view of the urgent request of the Governor of Berber for military help, and of his statement that "if Berber falls there would be no more hope for the Soudan;" of Nubar Pasha's opinion that "two Egyptian battalions at Assouan should be sent on at once to Berber;" and, of the opinion of the British Generals that an Anglo-Egyptian Force could be sent to Berber, the British Government telegraphed to Hassem Khalifa, Governor of Berber, that no help could be given to him?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI replied just now to both Questions.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTAm I in Order in asking the noble Lord whether he will kindly repeat the answer which he gave, for I failed to understand it? [Cries of "Order!"] Will he be so good as to inform the House why he declines to reply? [Cries of "No! "]
§ [No reply.]