§ 17. Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any information with regard to the recently reported Sudan disturbances at Khartum?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that on the 19th June a political demonstration at Omdurman was organised by certain disaffected elements and attempts were made by intimidation to induce casual passers-by to express anti-British sentiments. On the 23rd June a demonstration of 400 or 500 of the hangers-on of the town took place in Khartum and was dispersed by the police as such demonstrations had been forbidden. The leaders were arrested and will be tried by the Civil Court.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWere not the reports which appeared in the Press grossly exaggerated; and did they not make out that it was a very big disturbance, when, in fact, it was only a comparatively small disturbance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll my information is that the disturbance was a very small one indeed.
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKIs it not well known to the right hon. Gentleman that the vast preponderance of feeling at Khartum and throughout the Sudan is in favour of Great Britain?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have another question on that matter.