§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the present whereabouts and forces of the Khalifa, and the reported retirement of the Egyptian forces sent in pursuit of the Khalifa; and whether the Khalifa is now advancing towards Khartoum?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Sirdar telegraphed on 5th February that Colonel Kitchener found the Khalifa and a force of apparently about 6,000 men in a strong position at Sherkeila, about 112 miles from the Nile. Colonel Kitchener, having completed his reconnaissance, retired, not being in sufficient force to attack. On February 21st, the Sirdar reported that a force of Dervishes was advancing with a body of cavalry north-east from their position. They defeated some, friendly Arabs on the 15th on the White Nile, and preparation is being made to check the advance.