§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth, E.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Government would take steps to negotiate with the forces around Suakin before an attack was made upon them?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)The hon. Baronet gave me Notice of this Question as I entered the House a few minutes ago. He appears to be unaware of the fact that the forces around Suakin are attacking Suakin—not that any forces of Her Majesty, or of the Khedive of Egypt, are attacking the forces around Suakin. Undoubtedly, the garrison are only seeking to relieve themselves from an attack which has become intolerable. If the hon. Baronet can use his influence with these gentlemen, I should advise him to exercise that influence, in order that the attack upon Suakin may be withdrawn.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONcomplained that the right hon. Gentleman had made no sort of answer to his Question. He had asked him whether he would give orders to the authorities in Egypt to enter into negotiations with 101 these gentlemen—[Laughter]—gentlemen the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. W. H. Smith) had called them, but they were generally called rebels—[An hon. MEMBER: Black men]—and he (Sir Wilfrid Lawson) did not know what to call them, except Arabs—with the view of stopping the horrible bloodshed that would probably ensue?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHThe hon. Baronet does not seem to understand the position. We are resisting an attack upon Suakin which, if not resisted, would end in the destruction of life which at present we are bound to protect. If the hon. Baronet has any method of communicating with those persons who are attacking Suakin, I invite him to use his influence with them to prevent that attack from being continued. We cannot interfere with the Military Authorities in resisting an attack which is dangerous to the safety of those we are bound to protect under engagements entered into by the late Government.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)I would ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who is now in political charge at Suakin? Is it General Grenfell? With whom would the Arabs have to negotiate? Is there any truth in the report that Osman Digna has communicated with the authorities at Suakin?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)I think the House will see that proper Notice should be given of such Questions.
MR. PHILIPPS (Lanark, Mid)Is not the position at Suakin now exactly the same as it was three years ago, when the whole Conservative Party voted no attack?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked, whether there was any truth in the rumour which had appeared in the public Press that Sir Charles Warren was to be sent out to Suakin for the purpose of negotiating with the Arabs?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI think it will be for the convenience of the House that Notice should be given of such Questions. I have no information whatever with respect to the report in question; and hon. Gentlemen must be exceedingly credulous if they believe such reports merely because they appear in a newspaper.