§ MR. ARTHUR ARNOLDasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the proclamation reported to have been issued by General Graham will be communicated to the House before the discussion upon the Vote of Credit; whether Lord Wolseley having reported that he has no fear for his communications on the Nile, the alleged necessity for operations at Suakin has passed away; and, whether, in the circumstances, Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue the policy of the proclamation entrusted by the Khedive to General Gordon, which called upon all persons in arms to lay them down, to endeavour by peaceable means to form independent governments, and to do their best for their own prosperity?
MR. GLADSTONEIn regard to the first portion of this Question, on inquiry of the Secretary of State for War, I find that what the hon. Gentleman describes as a Proclamation was not a Proclamation, but a letter from Osman Digna to the officer in command, and a reply from General Graham. That being so, there will be no objection to its being laid on the Table if moved for. In regard to the other portion of the Question, I would recommend my hon. Friend to wait till after the statement which will be made in submitting the Vote of Credit to-morrow.