HC Deb 30 April 1885 vol 297 cc1112-4
SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, since the cessation of active hostilities, any communications have been received from Lord Wolseley or Sir Evelyn Baring as to the extent of the influence or power of the Mahdi in the Soudan, and more particularly in that part of the country north of Korti; and, if so, whether there is any objection to laying them upon the Table of the House; and, whether, as further offensive operations are not at present contemplated, there is now any objection to at once removing so many of the troops at or about Suakin as are not required for the protection of that place and its immediate neighbourhood into some healthier and more convenient quarters, where they would be equally available for active service elsewhere in case of need?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Since the Government decided to review their policy with regard to the Soudan, we have been in communication both with Sir Evelyn Baring and with Lord Wolseley upon the whole subject; and some of the despatches and telegrams received from them can certainly be said to touch upon the subject referred to in the first part of the Question. These communications, however, cannot be said to be complete, and some of them are of an extremely confidential character. I doubt very much whether it is possible at present to lay on the Table Papers which would add materially to the information in possession of the House. I shall, of course, from time to time revise the Correspondence which has taken place, with a view to seeing whether further information can be laid on the Table. With regard to the latter part of the Question, Lord Wolseley has just left Cairo for Suakin, with a view to report upon the military situation there. Until we have received that Report it will not be possible to Bay what number of troops may be removed from that place. Although I have no reason for thinking that the health of the troops is endangered, it is probable that some portion of them will be removed.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

May I ask what steps the Government propose to take to protect the friendly tribes in the neighbourhood of Suakin and the friendly tribes on the Nile, particularly in the neighbourhood of Dongola?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

These questions are both included in the subjects on which we are in communication with Lord Wolseley. Until we have received further Reports upon them, and until we have arrived at a more definite conclusion as to the whole policy in the Soudan, I do not think an answer can be given to the Question of the hon. and gallant Member.

MR. O'DONNELL

Does the Government understand that the presence of a British Army is necessary for the protection of the friendly tribes; and if it is necessary will a British Army be retained there?

[No reply.]