56 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

his mission without some fighting, he was sanguine of ultimate success. Some further instructions from Sir E. Baring were given him after his arrival at Cairo, and Gordon then concurred in the policy of abandoning the Soudan, and suggested the addition to the instructions the words, " That it should on no account be changed.'' These instructions, after referring to those already given by Lord Granville, said: — " I have now to indicate to you the views of the Egyptian government on two of the points to which your special attention was directed by Lord Granville. These are: (1) The measures which it may be advisable to take for the security of the Egyptian garrisons still holding positions in the Soudan, and for the safety of the European population in Khartum. (2) The best mode of effecting the evacuation of the interior of the Soudan.

These two points are intimately connected, and may conveniently be considered together.

It is believed that the number of Europeans at Khartum is very small, but it has been estimated by the local authorities that some 10,000 to 15,000 people will wish to move northwards from Khartum only when the Egyptian garrison is withdrawn. These people are native Christians, Egyptian employes, their wives and children, &c. The government of his highness the khedive is earnestly solicitous that no effort should be spared to ensure the retreat both of these people and of the Egyptian garrison without loss of life.

As regards the most opportune time and the best method for effecting the retreat, whether of the garrisons or of the civil populations, it is neither necessary nor desirable that you should receive detailed instructions.

A short time ago the local authorities pressed strongly on the Egyptian government the necessity for giving orders for an immediate retreat. Orders were accordingly given to commence at once the withdrawal of the civil population. No sooner, however, had these orders been issued than a telegram was received from the Soudan, strongly urging that the orders for commencing the retreat immediately should be delayed. Under these circum*-