HC Deb 13 May 1884 vol 288 cc174-5
MR. W. H. SMITH

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether he can inform the House where Admiral Sir William Hewett is believed to be at the present time, and what was the date of the last communication from him; and, whether the Government are yet in a position to give the House any information as to the objects and purpose of the Mission to the King of Abyssinia?

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What escort, if any, Admiral Hewett has for his protection during his mission to King Johannes at Adowa; whether, when he started from Massowah he was escorted by a body of Bashi-Bazouks, who were such a terror to the inhabitants that they were not allowed to cross the frontier into Abyssinia?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

According to a telegram from Captain Hastings from Massowah, Admiral Hewett expected to reach Adowa on the 26th of April. I explained the general objects of the mission in the debate on the 15th of March, and I have no further statement to make at present. No reports have yet been received from Sir William Hewett, and I have no information on the subject of the escort mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member.

MR. W. H. SMITH

asked if the Government had any information as to where Admiral Hewett was?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The Government have no knowledge of the position of Admiral Hewett at this moment, but information is expected from him every day.

MR. W. H. SMITH

What is the latest date on which a communication was received from him?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I do not think the Admiralty have received any report from him since his departure.

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

Just before I left the Admiralty this morning I was told that a letter had come in from Admiral Hewett, dated April 18, but that it did not add much to the information already in possession of the Admiralty.

COLONEL KING - HARMAN

asked whether Admiral Hewett had been relieved of his command in the Red Sea?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNEEMAN

said, the command in the Red Sea was to be transferred for a time to the Commander-in-Chief on the Mediterranean Station.