HC Deb 22 May 1884 vol 288 c998
BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has observed the following statement of The Times Correspondent in Cairo, published on May 20th:— After repeated attempts I have succeeded in finding a Greek knowing the Country, who undertakes to convey messages to Khartoum and to bring back answers in about two months, provided that £1,000 be guaranteed to him, payable on the delivery of the replies, nothing to be payable in the event of failure. I am earnestly requested to give the utmost publicity to this offer, as it promises apparently the sole probable means of ascertaining the real situation of General Gordon; and, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to take advantage of this chance of communicating with General Gordon?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Her Majesty's Government have left to Mr. Egerton, Acting Agent and Consul General at Cairo, lull discretion as to despatching messengers to Khartoum. Various offers of a similar kind to that cited by the hon. Member have been made; and Mr. Egerton will, no doubt, select the means which he, being on the spot, considers most likely to be effectual.