§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked the Secretary of State for War, If it is true that British troops are ordered up to Assouan, and are again to engage in the defence of Upper Egypt; if so, whether they are to go at the expense of the British taxpayer; and, who is to pay the charge for their moving, including railway and other charges of the Egyptian Government, 1665 according to the system which has hitherto prevailed?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Yes, Sir; it is true that, as the Egyptian Government has been compelled to withdraw certain troops from their frontier in order to strengthen the garrison at Suakin, it has been found necessary to order some British Infantry—I believe about 500 in number—to go temporarily to Assouan to assist, if necessary, in the defence of the frontier. The mode in which the cost of this move is to be defrayed is now the subject of communication between the Foreign Office and myself; but primâ facie, according to the understanding arrived at, it must be defrayed by the Egyptian Government.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any truth in the report that it is proposed to send British troops to Suakin?
§ MB. E. STANHOPENo; there have been no orders to send British troops to Suakin.