§ MR. A. J. BALFOURasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he can make any statement with regard to the policy they intend to pursue in the Soudan in the event of a peaceful settlement of the present controversy with Russia?
MR. JOHN MORLEYBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers, perhaps he will allow me to put another Question on the same subject. I must apologize for not giving due Notice; but the point is one of great and immediate urgency. My Question is, whether it was in accord with the policy announced by the right hon. Gentleman in presenting the Vote of Credit that what was called the "brilliant engagement" of May the 5th took place when an encampment of Bedouins, their women and children, and their flocks, were attacked by General Graham, and 150 men killed, although it is alleged by eye-witnesses that they never made any serious defence?
MR. GLADSTONEIn regard to the first Question, I am not about to make any statement on the subject. With respect to the second Question, I think my hon. Friend would do well to put this Question to my noble Friend the Secretary of State for War, to whom it belongs, to receive information on the subject.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI have received nothing but a very short telegram from Lord Wolseley, containing a very short account indeed of something that appears to have been in the nature of a reconnaissance by General Graham yesterday. If I had thought the Question would have been put, I would have brought down the telegram and read it to the House. As far as my recollection serves, it does not con-firm the particulars the hon. Member refers to as contained in the telegram of one of the correspondents. The hon. Member asks whether such an operation is consistent with the terms made use of when the Vote of Credit was laid on the Table. As far as my recollection serves me, what my right hon. Friend (Mr. Gladstone) said with regard to the Suakin Railway was that it was not intended to prosecute it for military purposes to Berber; but that it would be continued to such a point as the Government might consider expedient after consulting with the Military Authorities, and that, in the meantime, further proceedings with regard to the railway would be considered. Under these circumstances, I do not think it is inconsistent with that statement that the railway should be continued till such progress has been made as may be desired by the Military Authorities. While any progress is being made by the railway, of course adequate protection must be given, and measures of the kind referred to may be found necessary by the Commander-in-Chief.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLMay I ask the noble Marquess whether he is aware that the telegram from Lord Wolseley has been communicated by the War Office to the evening papers, and that, so far from the operation being a reconnaissance, the words used are, "Graham made this morning a most successful raid?" I should like to ask the noble Marquess whether, in the course of the evening, he will despatch orders to Suakin absolutely prohibiting the repetition of such aimless and purposeless raids?
§ LORD EUSTACE CECILIs the noble Marquess aware that a great number of sheep and cattle were driven off, that the village was burnt, and that the wells were blown up with gunpowder?
§ MR. LABOUCHEREMay I ask whether the noble Marquess is aware that not only one correspondent, but two, have confirmed the report? I am told that even three have done so. It is confirmed in strong terms by the correspondent of The Morning Post.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI have no doubt the noble Lord (Lord Randolph Churchill) is correct in regard to the description that is given of the operation by Lord Wolseley. It appears to me to be a matter of very little importance whether it is described as a "raid" or as a "reconnaissance." No doubt there was a military movement, and no doubt some fighting took place. In regard to the other Questions, hon. Members appear not to be aware that a body of troops, or more than one body of troops, under Osman Digna are still threatening, not only the advanced posts held by our troops, but would also threaten Suakin itself. Until a decision has been arrived at entirely to abandon the further construction of the railway, I consider that the General Officers are entitled to take such measures as they may consider necessary for its protection.
MR. JOHN MORLEYI beg to give Notice, in consequence of the answer of the noble Marquess, that I will put the Question on the Paper for to-morrow, in order to enable the noble Marquess to give all the information in his power.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURMay I ask the Prime Minister, considering that the House is occupied in voting money for the Soudan, and considering the slaughter that is going on in that part of the world, how soon he expects to be able to make a statement on the subject?
MR. GLADSTONEMy noble Friend has already stated that on Monday he expects to be able to convey to the House the instructions which have been sent to the military officers in the Soudan, and I think it is too soon to make any statement on the subject generally. It is not usual, when one great subject of public policy is locked up with another, and dependent upon the conclusion of another, to make any statement in regard to it.
MR. JOHN MORLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was or was not a statement of policy when, in presenting the Vote of Credit, 1863 he told us that, as to the Soudan, it was the intention of the Government not to prosecute further offensive operations?
MR. GLADSTONEMost certainly that was a statement of policy, I conceive, of the utmost importance; but the Question put to me by the hon. Gentleman asks me to make a statement with regard to the policy we intend to pursue in the Soudan in the event of a peaceful settlement of the present controversy with Russia. I think I ought not to be called upon to say when I will make a further statement.