§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (Paddington, S.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in the event of Her Majesty's Government having reason to suppose that the statements respecting the captivity of Emin Pasha and Mr. Stanley may be well founded, they will consider the desirability of attempting to enter into negotiations with Osman Digna and the Arab tribes, with the object of procuring the release of the European captives at Khartoum, before commencing hostilities with the force besieging Suakin?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN)(who replied) said (St. George's, Hanover Square)I can assure the noble Lord that Her Majesty's Government share to the full his deep anxiety, and that of the public, with regard to the news which has been received. The information in the hands of Her Majesty's Government is still of so uncertain a character that it would be impossible to suspend the relief of Suakin during the many weeks, or it might be months, which might elapse before the fate of Emin Pasha and Mr. Stanley could be ascertained. We have no actual proofs of their captivity beyond the fact that a letter, or a copy of a letter, which was once in Mr. Stanley's possession, is, apparently, in the possession of an officer of the Khalifa. 345 Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that it would be out of the question to keep all the troops in close and hot quarters at Suakin, with the certainty of much loss of life from sickness, while the facts were being verified, and equally out of the question to bring them away at the present moment. And, more than this, would it be possible to ask for an armistice from an enemy who is actually attacking us, on the strength of information which, even if true, would not relieve us from the necessity of defending Suakin, and repelling the enemy who is investing it? At the same time, I can assure the noble Lord that Her Majesty's Government will use their utmost endeavours to ascertain the truth of the news; and, if it turns out to be true, to discover whether there is any hope of successfully negotiating for the release of these gallant men.
MR. STAVELEY HILL (Staffordshire, Kingswinford)Has Her Majesty's Government been in communication with reference to this subject with the two Governments of the two countries of which Emin Pasha and Mr. Stanley are citizens?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONOf course, the German Government has been informed of the news which Her Majesty's Government have received.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONNo; I think not.
MR. JOHN MORLEYThe answer of the right hon. Gentleman to the noble Lord opposite is a very serious communication, and we are unwilling to interrupt the discussion of the Business which is set down for to-day, and if it was possible to avoid it we would gladly do so. On Monday I understand there will be an opportunity, on the Consular Estimates, of discussing this question. Would the right hon. Gentleman consent to direct that military operations should be at least suspended—that is to say, if active military operations are contemplated—until after the House has had some opportunity of expressing an opinion? This opportunity will legitimately arise on Monday, when the Consular Estimates are under discussion.
§ MR. GOSCHENHer Majesty's Government quite appreciate the desire of the right hon. Gentleman that this mat- 346 ter should not be foreclosed till Monday—until after an opportunity has been afforded the House of expressing an opinion upon it. But I put it to the right hon. Gentleman whether we can with safety give such instructions to the officers in command? They may receive news of reinforcements arriving, which would make operations more difficult a few days hence than they are now. To tie the hands of the military officers at such a moment as this appears to me to be out of the question. On the other hand, the right hon. Gentleman need not fear that instructions will be given to hurry the operations in any way. The House may be perfectly satisfied that we shall take no such course as that; but we could not take upon ourselves the responsibility of suspending military operations. I have had no opportunity of consulting the Prime Minister on that particular point; but I am sure I express the views of the Government in the statement I have made.
MR. JOHN MORLEYAlthough I have heard what the right hon. Gentleman has said, I think, on the whole, I may take it as expressing the views and the opinions of the Government that they, at all events, will do the best they can to prevent action being taken which would prevent negotiations proceeding if that was thought desirable next week.
§ MR. GOSCHENNo, Sir; I cannot tie the hands of the military authorities; and I could not, I am sorry to say, go one inch further than the statement I have made.