HC Deb 08 May 1884 vol 287 cc1689-91
MR. W. E. FORSTER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have cognizance of any telegrams or messages from General Gordon to Sir Evelyn Baring, or to any other Government official, bearing upon his ability to defend Khartoum from attack or to escape therefrom, besides those contained in the Papers already furnished to Parliament; and, if so, whether they can communicate them to the House before next Monday?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have already stated in the House that Her Majesty's Government do not propose to produce Papers containing confidential information, which, if published, would be a source of military danger to General Gordon; but the further Papers, which will be very shortly in the hands of Members, will contain information of the character described by my right hon. Friend.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I will give the reason why I ask this Question. ["Order!"] On April 3 the Khartoum correspondent of The Times—["Order!"]—I am only giving the necessary explanation, and I am not going into any argument. The correspondent of The Times telegraphed, on April 3, that it was reported that the Mahdi was sending artillery to Khartoum to render powerless General Gordon's steamers. I wish to know whether the Government had any information on the subject; and whether they had heard that one of General Gordon's Krupp guns had been taken?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I do not think that the very detailed Question of the right hon. Gentleman can be said to arise exactly ont of the Question upon the Paper, and I think he will not complain if I ask him to put his Question clown on the Paper for tomorrow.

MR. CHAPLIN

had given Notice to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in reference to his statement on 24th April, that the Government recognize an obligation in regard to the safety of General Gordon, Whether he is aware that he is made to say, in some of the reports of that answer, that "the Government will be careful to put themselves in a position to fulfil those obligations," and, in others, that "the Government have been careful to put themselves in a position," &c.; and, which of these reports correctly represented the statement which he made on that occasion?

MR. GLADSTONE

Although the hon. Member is not in his place, I might as well give an answer. His Question is as to which of two reports is correct. To the best of my belief neither of these reports is inaccurate. The true report is to be found by combining them. I believe my words were that "we had been and should be careful to put ourselves in a position," and so on.

SIR HENRY TYLER

gave Notice that on Monday next he should ask the Prime Minister, with reference to his answer to the effect that the Government have been and will be careful for the safety of General Gordon, whether they had taken any steps with regard to the safety of General Gordon; and, if so, what steps?

MR. GLADSTONE

We shall have an excellent opportunity of discussing that matter on Monday, without the hon. Member putting his Question.

VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE

Is there any truth in the report that the King of the Belgians proposes to send an expedition, to Khartoum so as to withdraw General Gordon from the isolated position in which he is placed?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have not heard of any such intention.