HC Deb 07 May 1908 vol 188 cc419-20
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can communicate to the House any facts with reference to the murder of Mr. Scott-Moncreiff, Deputy-Inspector of the Blue Nile Province of the Soudan, and the steps taken to the punish assassins?

SIR EDWARD GREY

According to telegraphic reports received from His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo, a certain Abd-el-Kadr collected a party of armed Arabs near Messellamia in the Blue Nile Province, proclaimed a prophet, and defied the authority of the Government. The Egyptian "Mamur" and Mr. Scott-Moncrieff, Deputy-Inspector of the province, with some police, proceeded to the spot, and there to cur great regret lost their lives, but details as to the actual circumstances of their death are so far lacking. The Governor of the province proceeded to the scene of the disturbance with 400 Soudanese Infantry, on the approach of which the Dervish band abandoned their position and broke up. Several were captured, and their leader has since been caught by the people of a neighbouring village, and handed over to the authorities; he will be brought to trial. The body of Mr. Scott-Moncrieff was found in the Dervish camp.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER - GRAY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the murder of the late Mr.Scott-Moncrieff, Deputy-Inspector of the Blue Nile Province, and the attack on the force under Dickenson Bey, in which he, Major Logan, and two native Egyptian officers were wounded.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply just returned to the hon. Member for Mid Armagh.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to Dickenson Bey and Major Logan who were reported wounded?

SIR EDWARD GREY

I will inquire.