HC Deb 13 November 1884 vol 293 cc1580-1
MR. DIXON-HARTLAND

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, immediately after the battles of Tamanieb and Tamasi, General Graham telegraphed from Suakin that there was no reason why a sufficient portion of his troops should not advance to Berber and relieve General Gordon if he were permitted to obtain the necessary transport; whether the Government, after consultation with Lord Wolseley, inquired from General Graham how many camels he would require, and their price, and received an answer, 3,000 camels, and their price would be about £50 each; whether General Graham was then asked if he could do with 1,500 camels, and could purchase them at the old price of about £15 a-piece; and whether, on his replying in the negative, he was ordered to at once ship his troops; and, whether, in order to economise this £150,000 which the camels would have cost, this plan of General Graham's was abandoned, and the present expedition for the relief of General Gordon rendered necessary?

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

said, that before the Question was answered, he wished to ask the noble Lord whether Lord Wolseley was the same person who, being some years ago in command of the expedition against Coomassie, received a message from Captain Glover to the effect that he was prepared to cross the Prah with a Native force, and who sent back a reply that he was not to do so until ordered by him?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I really have no knowledge of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, nor do I see in what way they are relevant to the Question on the Paper. With regard to the Question of the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. Dixon-Hartland), there is no foundation whatever for the statement that any such telegram was either received or sent.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked whether at that time the noble Marquess did not receive any telegram from General Graham suggesting that it was perfectly possible to march from Suakin to Berber, and stating that if he had 3,000 camels he would be able to do so?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

No, Sir; there were no such telegrams.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

May I ask if there was a letter or other communication, if there was no telegram?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

To the best of my recollection, there was no such letter. If the hon. and gallant Member likes to put a Question on the Paper I will answer it. I have no recollection of anything of the kind.