§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI beg to ask the noble Marquess opposite, If he can inform us whether there is any information to confirm or modify the statements that have been made in the Press with regard to the movements of Sir Redvers Buller?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONA telegram was received this morning, and portions of it have, I believe, been published in the newspapers, stating that the Force under Sir Redvers Buller has evacuated Gubat and retired to Abu Klea. I think that is substantially the information which is in our possession; but it is probable that the movements of Sir Redvers Buller's Force will be continued to Gakdul, or probably to Merawi or Korti.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI wish to ask whether the Government have received any communications from Lord Wolseley on the subject, and of which they are able to inform the House? Of course, I do not ask for any information which it would not be safe to give.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI think the House will agree with me that it is necessary to exercise extreme caution in giving any information as to the despatches, or any discussions of military movements which have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and Lord Wolseley. If the right hon. Gentleman will give Notice of his Question, I will see whether it is desirable to give any information or not. I will endeavour to-morrow to put before the House so much information as can be given without injury to the Public Service.
§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If Prince Hassan, brother of the Khedive, had been appointed High Commissioner in the Soudan; and, if so, was it by the Khedive, the Sultan, or Her Majesty's Government; and, whether the appointment of Prince Hassan was an indication that Her Majesty's Government desired to place the Government of the Soudan in his hands, or in the hands of some member of the Khedive's family?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEPrince Hassan is about to join the Forces under Lord Wolseley as High Commissioner under him, with authority over the Egyptian Mudirs and officials. The office has been conferred upon him by the Khedive, and nobody else. The presence of Prince Hassan is not to be taken in the sense indicated by the hon. Member.
§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFHas he any authority over the Mudirs in the Soudan?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEHe has authority over the Egyptian Mudirs and Civil authorities generally.
§ MR. RITCHIEasked what policy rendered the appointment of Prince Hassan necessary now which did not make it necessary previously?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEsaid, that the Question raised matter of debate, and could not be answered with propriety.
MR. GORSTasked whether the noble Lord would state whether Prince Hassan had any authority over the Mudirs in the Soudan?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI answered that Question distinctly in the affirmative.
§ SIR JOHN ST. AUBYNasked the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for War, Whether he was in a position to give the House any information with respect to General Brackenbury's column?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONNo information of importance as to the movements of General Brackenbury's column has been received since that published in the newspapers. As to instructions given to him, or which may be under consideration, I think the answer which I gave to the right hon. Baronet (Sir Michael Hicks-Beach) just now applies in this case, and that it will be very undesirable, without full consideration, to make any statement on the subject of the instructions now given to the troops.