§ MR. CHAPLINasked the Secretary of State for War, If he can state the precise date at which it was definitely decided by Her Majesty's Government to despatch an expedition for the relief of General Gordon?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe Foreign Office Papers which have been laid on the Table contain the principal instructions which have been given from time to time to the General Officer commanding in Egypt, and will supply the full answer to the Question. The Papers will be in the hands of Members in a very few days; but, in anticipation, I may state that the Vote of Credit was passed on August 5, that instructions for 152 making certain preparations for an Expedition were sent on August 8, and that the first orders for the despatch of any troops beyond the frontier of Egypt at Wada Haifa were sent by telegraph on the 23rd.
§ MR. CHAPLINasked whether it was to be understood that it was not until the 23rd of August that the decision was arrived at to despatch troops?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI think the hon. Member would do better to wait until he sees the instructions contained in the Papers, because there might be a difference of opinion as to what constitutes a decision to send an Expedition. No orders were issued for the movement of troops until the 23rd of August; but, in my opinion, it takes date from the time when the decision was arrived at.