HC Deb 12 March 1885 vol 295 c871
SIR HENRY TYLER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any further information respecting the garrison of Kassala, or whether there has been any further communication with that garrison; and, what are the numbers of the garrison and the inhabitants, respectively, according to the latest advices? The hon. Member added: I wish also to ask another Question on a telegram which I have only received during the last hour, and of which, therefore, I could give no Notice— According to rumours from Cairo, Kassala has fallen. Any how, mere question of time. Doubtful if Sultan has ever been bonâ fide invited to co-operate on fair terms. I should like to ask whether the Sultan has been on fair terms invited to cooperate?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

In reply to the first portion of the hon. Member's Question, I have no further information to give than that contained in the replies already given in this House. According to a statement contained in Sir Evelyn Baring's despatch of December 3, 1883 (Egypt, No. 1,1884, p. 125), the garrison consisted of 1,259 men. The population in 1881 is stated by Captain Gascoigne to have been from 25,000 to 30,000.

SIR HENRY TYLER

Will the noble Lord answer the further Question?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I must ask the hon. Baronet to put the further Question on the Paper.