HC Deb 20 February 1885 vol 294 c914
MR. RITCHIE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he will explain to the House what are the circumstances which have rendered necessary the appointment of Prince Hassan as High Commissioner in the Soudan; and, what are the political consequences the Government expect to follow from such appointment?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Prince Hassan was appointed in order to facilitate communications between Lord Wolseley and the Egyptian Civil Authorities. The hon. Member's second Question involves matter of debate and argument, and I cannot enter into it within the limits usually assigned to a Question.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

I beg to ask whether Prince Hassan is to have control over the Egyptian Mudirs in the Soudan; whether the Soudan is still supposed to form part of the dominion of the Khedive; and by what authority the Khedive can appoint Prince Hassan?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The Question of the hon. Member appears to me to be of a very argumentative character.

MR. GOSCHEN

May I ask my noble Friend whether the despatches relating to this matter, however short they may be—even telegraphic despatches—should be submitted to the House before the expected debate, so that the House would be in full possession of all the events?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I shall, of course, be very glad to bring the matter before the Secretary of State.