MR. A. M ARTHURasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he will lay upon the Table of the House a Copy of the answer sent to the Australian Colonies, in reply to their offer of Troops for the Soudan?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYI hope that in a few days all the Papers connected with this matter will be in the hands of hon. Members. "With reference to what has fallen from my hon. Friend behind me, I will not anticipate what these Papers will show beyond saying that, nowhere will it be found that at any time, or on any occasion, were the offers of Canada or of any of the Australian Colonies declined. 114 The only doubt ever entertained or expressed was as to the date at which, from a military point of view, the offers could best be availed of. As an epitome of how the matter stands, I will read an extract from a telegram, the last of a series, which has, a few days ago, been sent to Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland—
Her Majesty's Government are carefully considering the patriotic offer of troops. While the disposal of further contingents during the summer heat in the Soudan would he most difficult to arrange, if Colony, either independently, or acting jointly with others, can despatch force in August to arrive in Egypt in Septemher, Her Majesty's Government will most gladly receive it.
§ SIR H. DEUMMOND WOLFFWill my hon. Friend lay on the Table that despatch, with the date on which it was sent?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes, certainly.