§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have sanctioned the action 489 of the Egyptian Government in sending an expedition to recover a portion of the Soudan, near Suakin, which was some years ago formally abandoned at the urgent instance of the British Government; and whether care will be taken that these measures do not throw any burden on this country, either directly, on account of the military operations in the Soudan, or indirectly, by withdrawing a portion of the Egyptian forces, and throwing the defence of Egypt and the Nile more heavily on Her Majesty's Army?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONHer Majesty's Government have raised no objection to the occupation of Tokar and Handoub by the Egyptian troops, as the occupation was strongly urged by the Civil and Military Authorities, in order to relieve the district round Suakin from oppression and plunder by the Dervishes, and especially in order to facilitate the opening of trade in grain. No additional burden will be thrown on this country by the measures that are being taken.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLWill it not be necessary to occupy the country with British troops when, the Egyptian garrison is withdrawn for this expedition?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIt is not anticipated that any addition will have to be made to the garrison of Suakin on account of the occupation of these outposts.