156 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

government informed, to the best of his ability, not only as to the immediate danger to which Khartum may be exposed, but also as to any prospective clanger which may arise later; that in order to be prepared to meet such danger, he should advise us as to the force that would be necessary, under the circumstances, to secure his safe removal, giving his views as to its amount and composition, and as to the route by which it should approach Khartum, and the time at which the operation should take place. General Gordon should, at the same time, understand that her majesty's government do not propose to supply him with a Turkish or other force for the purpose of undertaking military expeditions against the Mahdi, such expeditions being beyond the scope of the commission which he holds, and at variance with the pacific policy which was the purpose of his mission to the Soudan. If, with the knowledge of this fact, General Gordon decides on remaining at Khartum, he should state the cause of his decision, and the intention with which he so continues." The telegram went on to say: — " Her majesty's government fully acknowledge their debt oi oratitude to General Gordon for the heroic courage with which he has proceeded upon a mission which presented difficulties insurmountable by ordinary means, together with the possibility of serious danger. They recognize the benefits which have resulted from it, the confidence which, at all events for a time, he restored in Khartum, the despatch of the women and children in safety from that place, and his success, perhaps, in arresting any military movements upon Egypt, certainly in dispelling the alarms connected with the expectation of such an event." The message continued : — ■ " On the 4th March a telegram was received from Sir E. Baring stating that General Gordon and Colonel Stewart advised the despatch of a small force of British or Indian cavalry to Berber, as soon as the road was opened between that place and Suakim, but Sir E. Baring himself did not agree in this proposal. It appeared that the object of the expedition was to overawe the tribes between Berber and Khartum, and reassure the population