His Excellency Hussein Pasha Mazhar replied that it is not permissible to advance the army without establishing a line of retreat to preserve it and to ensure the army's supplies from Duem. He stated that if we do not establish posts behind us, it would be considered a violation of military law. His Excellency Hicks Pasha responded that this is necessary, but considering what His Excellency the Governor-General has expressed, this council was convened to obtain his thoughts and his agreement on what is necessary. His Excellency Hussein Pasha Mazhar replied that as long as the required posts behind the army are not established, it is not permissible to reduce this force. Regarding what His Excellency the Governor-General has expressed, and to avoid ridicule in the future, I request to be informed in advance about what happened with the previous five thousand soldiers requested from the government, whose request was based on establishing posts behind the army. For this reason, one brigade was formed for them and is currently in Khartoum. Knowing that the previously requested 5th and 6th Battalions have already arrived and are currently in Khartoum, the intention is to send the necessary troops from Khartoum to Duem, according to what is needed for each initial post to secure our line of retreat, which is outside the scope of the laws, in sufficient numbers. His Excellency Hicks Pasha replied that deviating from the subject is not permissible, and I only wish to obtain your agreement that the force we have is not in dispute. Considering what His Excellency the Governor-General has expressed, is it still necessary to establish posts and reduce the force we have? His Excellency Hussein Pasha Mazhar replied that he does not wish to be held responsible for this later, and asked what method can be used to bring what the army needs after our advance if the situation requires it. His Excellency Hicks Pasha replied that this can be arranged later upon our safe arrival, God willing. He added that when we face the enemy, it will be difficult to bring the army's supplies via this route, and it would be easier to bring them via another route. His Excellency Hussein Pasha Mazhar replied that he does not agree to the non-necessity of posts, under any circumstances, because it is essential. His Excellency Hicks Pasha replied that he knows that establishing posts is important for preserving the line of retreat, and therefore he convened this council to obtain your thoughts and your agreement on this matter, so that it may be known to the whole world, based on what His Excellency the Governor-General has expressed.