§ MR. ONSLOWasked the Secretary of State for War, If he could give a list of the officers who advised Her Majesty's Government to attempt the relief of Khartoum viâ Suakin and Berber, and also a list of those who advised the Expedition viâ the Nile; whether he could state when Lord Wolseley expected to be before Khartoum; and, whether there is now any reasonable prospect that our troops will accomplish their task and return before the next hot season arrives?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe opinions referred to in the Question of the hon. Member are always given entirely confidentially; and it would be quite impossible for me to give to the House such a list of the officers who have expressed one opinion or the other as the hon. Member asks for. In reply to his second Question, I have to say that the preparations for Lord Wolseley's 1564 advance are being made with all possible expedition; but, under the circumstances and conditions of the case, I should be very sorry to hazard any conjecture as to when he will be before Khartoum. There is, however, every reasonable expectation that the troops under Lord Wolseley's command will be able to accomplish the objects of their mission, and return to Egypt within the present winter.
§ MR. ONSLOWMay I ask whether any communication has been received from Lord Wolseley to the same effect as the answer just given by the noble Lord, and as to the time when he hopes to arrive in Khartoum?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI do not think that Lord Wolseley has committed himself to any opinion as to when he will enter Khartoum.