§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is true that the authorities at Suakin are still, under the name of "reconnoitering," carrying on a guerilla warfare against the Soudanese at a considerable distance 1797 from Suakin, plundering private property and stopping trade, and that they have lately captured 30 camels loaded with general merchandize, principally English stuffs, said to be brought from Jedda?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONThe instructions under which the authorities at Suakin are acting will be found at pages 25, 26, and 41 of Egypt, No. 1, 1889, which has just been presented. The latest Report from Suakin, dated March 14th, was to the effect that all was quiet. If caravans have been captured recently, they were probably laden with contraband, or supplies for the Dervish force, but no news of such captures have reached the Foreign Office. As long as the followers of the Khalifa maintain their attitude of hostility, the Egyptian authorities cannot be expected to refrain from efforts to intercept supplies, which are likely to be used for the purpose of renewed attack.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLMay I ask if English stuffs and ordinary corn are contraband of war even in the Soudan?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONIf they are intended for forces which are engaged in hostile operations against Egypt, I do not think the Egyptian Government are to be blamed for stopping them.