§ MR. PERCY WYNDHAMI should like to ask the Prime Minister, Whether Suakin does not constitute a portion of the Dominions of the Sultan of Turkey; and, if that is so, whether it would not, in his opinion, be a gross breach of public law to invite any other Foreign Power?
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman is clearly entering upon matter of debate.
MR. GLADSTONEThe external lines of the Egyptian Dominions are not always very nicely formed; but I think there is no doubt that Suakin is conceived to be within the Dominions of the Sultan.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWith reference to the answer given by the Prime Minister just now, might I ask him whether any single one of those causes of anxiety which existed at the time when he asked the House to vote £11,000,000 of money is still in existence?
MR. GLADSTONEIt appears to me that that is also a question for debate. Suppose I were able to answer my hon. Friend that none of these causes were in existence—suppose, for argument's sake, I was able to make that answer, and certainly I think it would be highly imprudent for me to go so far—he would still have to face the question that a considerable part of the charge has been spent.
§ MR. LEWISWould the right hon. Gentleman pardon me for asking whether the Papers would contain the exact terms of the reference?
§ MR. GREGORYI beg to ask the noble Lord the Secretary of State for War, whether the retention of Suakin and district involves the protection of the friendly Natives?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONOf course, the same instructions as I referred to with regard to the friendly Natives on the Nile will hold with regard to those at Suakin.
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANasked as to where the friendly Natives would be brought to?
§ MR. ONSLOWCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether Russia has given to Her Majesty's Government any guarantee that when the boundary is once fixed, she will not overstep that boundary? [Cries of "No, no!"]
§ [No reply.]
§ MR. HENEAGEwished to know whether the noble Lord could give any information as to the disposition of the troops under General Graham; and whether the whole or part would be withdrawn, and when?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI thought I said that I was not able at present to state exactly what would be done at Suakin, what positions would have to be occupied, and whether any position outside Suakin would have to be occupied. I am unable to say how far it will be possible.
§ MR. O'KELLYCan the noble Lord undertake to issue instructions to General Graham not to make any more raids in defence of this railway which is now to be abandoned until such times as the Government shall come to a final decision?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI stated the other day the view which I took of the operations of General Graham. I have nothing further to say as to what operations may be considered necessary for the purpose of adequately defending Suakin.