§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Porte has protested against the Nile Expedition; and, whether any notice was given to Turkey of the intention of Her Majesty's Government to advance upon Dongola?
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLENI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether communications have been received from the Turkish Government in any way opposing the Dongola expedition?
MR. CURZONNo, Sir; no protest has been received from the Porte. The Sultan has made inquiries as to the nature and objects of the military operations against the Dervishes and explanations have been given. No previous notice was given to the Turkish Government of the intended advance, nothing having been done or being contemplated that is beyond the competence of the Khedive, as recognised in the Firmans, or that requires special authority from the Sultan.
§ MR. W. REDMONDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the fact that the Khedive has power to start an Expedition of this kind without making any representation on the matter to the Porte first?
MR. CURZONI do not think that is a question which can be said to arise out of that which I have answered. [Ministerial cheers.]
MR. CURZONThe hon. Gentleman is as well aware of these facts as I am myself, and I do not see why he should ask me for information he already possesses. [Laughter]
§ MR. W. REDMONDI will put down my Question.