HC Deb 26 March 1885 vol 296 cc680-1
MR. GUY DAWNAY

I beg to give Notice that I shall move, on the earliest opportunity— That, in the opinion of this House, the slaughter of men, women, and children on the shores of the Red Sea now taking place by the orders of Her Majesty's Government without any definite object is a disgrace to civilization.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

I wish to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether he has received any information as to the truth of the statement that women and children of the Soudanese are fighting against the British troops at present; and whether it is true that 34 bodies of women have been picked up among the slain?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

We have received no information to that effect from General Graham.

MR. O'KELLY

Will the noble Lord undertake to ask him for the information?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

No, Sir; I cannot undertake to ask for information in regard to every statement which may be made in the Press by correspondents.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

Has the noble Lord received any information from General Graham with regard to the actions which have taken place near Suakin?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

We have received a very short telegram to-day from General Graham, and I shall read it to the House— Suakin, March 26, 1885, 2.20 P.M., Zariba.—Just arrived with large convoy. Attacked by enemy about two miles from here. Enemy charged head of square, and were repulsed with considerable loss. Our casualties, three wounded. I have not lost a single camel load. Several slight cases of sunstroke; men otherwise healthy. Marines suffer most. Am bringing in Scots Guards. That is all the information we have to-day.

MR. ONSLOW

Certain comments having been made in the newspapers regarding the behaviour of the Indian troops near Suakin, I wish to ask the noble Lord whether the Indian troops in the recent engagements have not fought as well as could possibly be expected of them?

[No reply.]