HC Deb 07 May 1885 vol 297 cc1851-2
MR. JUSTIN HUNTLY M'CARTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War, If there is any truth in the following statement from the Cairo Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, dated Cairo, March 23rd, and appearing in The Daily Telegraph of April 3rd: — You have already heard that Olivier Pain, the Communist, is 'wanted,' and efforts are being made to capture him on his way down country. Whether he has had enough of the Soudan, and wishes to avoid spending the summer there, or has been sent north on a mission by the Mahdi, is much in doubt. The official information about him is meagre; simply that he was seen near Debbeh with a small retinue, making his way on camel-back down country. The following is the official notification:—'£50 Reward. The above reward is offered to anyone producing Olivier Pain (and his papers) dead or alive. He left Debbeh on a camel on the 13th March 1885. His description is as follows: Pair, with light hair and beard, about 5 feet 7 inches high, blue eyes, slight build, thin compressed lips, with a cruel looking face, reticent in speech and manner. He is very probably disguised as an Arab. His blue eyes should betray him. G. F. Wilson, Capt. R.E. Commandant, Sarras, March 16th 1885.' I knew of Pain's efforts to get down country at Dongola, but because of official interposition could not wire about him at that point; and, whether the alleged action has been sanctioned by the Government?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

, in reply, said, that he was not aware that the facts were as stated with regard to M. Pain, or with regard to the reward said to have been offered. The proceedings had not received the attention of Her Majesty's Government.

MR. JUSTIN HUNTLY M'CARTHY

asked whether the Government would hold an inquiry into the case?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

replied, that no information had been received from Sir Evelyn Baring on the subject, and that no instructions had been given by the British Government to countenance the arrest of M. Pain.

MR. O'KELLY

asked whether the noble Marquess would undertake to give orders that the offer of the reward should be withdrawn?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I am not aware that the reward has been offered. If the hon. Member wants any information on the subject he had better give Notice of a Question to the noble Lord the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to it.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked whether any such reward as this could be paid out of the Army Fund, or whether it would be paid out of the Secret Service money?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, he did not think that any such payment could be made a charge against the Army Fund.