§ 77. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Osman Digna, who after under going solitary confinement for 22 years was allowed to go on pilgrimage to Mecca in May of last year, has since his return again been placed under restraint; whether he can give the date when the order for the military guard over Osman Digna was rescinded by the Sirdar; and if he can see his way to allow this old prisoner of war to end his days free from military surveillance?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI -am unaware of the arrangements made by the Sudan Government to ensure the safety and comfort of Osman Digna since his return from Mecca last August, but I know that the surveillance previously imposed had only this object in view.
§ M. JOHNSTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that it would redound to the honour and dignity of the 329 British Government if we allowed freedom to this old man, who is now over 100 years of age?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think that the hon. Gentleman caught my answer. He gave me very brief notice of this question, and I have been unable, since it appeared on the Paper, to get any information. I said that I am not aware of what arrangements are made now to ensure the safety and comfort of Osman Digna, but I know that the surveillance previously imposed had always that object in view.