COLONEL DAWNAYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Her Majesty's Government is prepared to support Lord Wolseley's proclamation that our troops would remain a hundred years, if necessary, in the Soudan 1855 in order to recapture Khartoum; and, if they are not prepared to abide by this declaration, what steps they intend to take to defend the friendly tribes from the fatal consequences of trusting to these assurances?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI am not aware that Lord Wolseley ever issued any Proclamation in the sense of the Question. I have seen a report of a speech said to have been made by Lord Wolseley to some Black troops of General Gordon in which there is some expression to the effect stated; but I do not think that Lord Wolseley ever issued a Proclamation containing any statement of that kind. As I have stated already, we hope very shortly to be able to make a statement as to our intentions with regard to the troops in the Soudan; and I cannot say more upon this occasion except that I have not the smallest doubt that, on the movement of the troops in the Soudan, the officers in command will make as good arrangements as possible for the protection of persons who stand in need of protection.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked whether the noble Marquess would be in a position to make the statement to which he referred before the discussion on Monday?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI doubt whether I can make that statement to-morrow; but on Monday, before the discussion, I shall probably be able to state what orders have been given.
§ MR. O'KELLYasked whether the noble Marquess would take into consideration the desirability of issuing orders to the General commanding at Suakin to stop the attacks on the Arabs until the Government had made up their mind what they were going to do in the Soudan?