HC Deb 23 May 1884 vol 288 cc1180-2
VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Government are, or have been, in communication with Messrs. Cook, the organisers of Cook's Tours, with regard to the supply of vessels to be used for the rescue of General Gordon?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

There is no doubt that Messrs. Cook possess very valuable information on the subject of that part of the Nile over which they are in the habit of conveying parties. I do not believe Messrs, Cook own any steamers themselves; but they have hired some from the Khedive, and I have no doubt that in the future they would be willing, if required, to place those vessels, as well as the information they possess, at the disposal of the Government.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any news from General Gordon has been received since April 9th; and, whether the Government have sent him any message of encouragement?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The latest telegram from General Gordon appears to be of the date April 10. It is quoted in "Egypt, No. 15, page 2." A farther message of a confidential character has been sent to him. I may add that Mr. Egerton telegraphed yesterday that the Mudir of Dongola thinks that the messenger to Gordon has entered Khartoum, but cannot leave it. His Reports state that the Mahdi is at El-Rahat, in Kordofan, and is prevented by his followers from going as he wished to the White Nile. El-Rahat is a place to the south-east of El-Obeid, which is the capital of Kordofan, and near the place where General Hicks met with his unhappy end.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I presume that puts an end to all doubt as to the fidelity of the Mudir.

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

If the hon. Member wishes to ask Questions about the Mudir of Dongola I must ask for Notice of them.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I asked this Question once before—

MR. GLADSTONE

I will take it upon myself to say that that question of the fidelity of the Mudir is evidently one which, in the judgment of the Government, it is not desirable to answer. It is a subject of a very delicate nature.

MR. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT

I ask this Question in order to enable the Government to give a formal denial to the statements which have appeared in all the papers in the country, and not at all with an evil motive.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

I wish to ask a general Question, whether the Government have any further knowledge as to the state of affairs at Khartoum, or at any of these places, beyond what has been communicated to the House; and whether they have received anything within the last 12 hours?

MR. GLADSTONE

No, Sir; certainly not. With respect to Khartoum, and with respect to these other places, it is a little difficult on the moment to put together what there may be with regard to them. All I can say is, that, considering the reports that were afloat some weeks ago with respect to Berber and Dongola, I think I may say that the purport of the intelligence received has been re-assuring, though, at the same time, not of an absolutely definite character.