London.

Manawatu Herald, 21 March 1896, Page 2

London.

The Times id art article respecting the Dongola expedition approves of a gradual forward policy in the Soudan. The Novoe Vremya implies that the conquest of the Soudan by Great Britain will postpone the settlement of the Egyptian question indefinitely. Emperor William declares that Germany has only recognised the British protection of Egypt, with the garrison at Cairo. President Kruger has retained Sir R. Tj Reid, Q.C.,and Sir G. Lewis to watch Dr Jameson's trial on behalf of the Transvaal authorities. It is reported that 10,000 Dervishes have advanced to Dongola, and 2000 picked warriors are within 100 miles of the Egyptian frontier. Another foroe is at the Murad Wells. Three battalions of the British reserves will be stationed between Wady Haifa and Akasheh. Ifc is reported that, owing to the heat and the lownes3 of the Nile, Lord Wolseley advises that no advance should be made beyond Akasheh until September. Mr Ourzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Office, stated in the House of Commons that no pledge had been given to Italy regarding Kassala. The Cairo correspondent of the Times wires that the opinion in military circles is that Indian troops will be more suited for sevice in the Soudan than white troop?. Slafcin Bey, who recently escaped from the Soudan, joins the expedition. The members of the Triple AUK ance cons9nt to the Egyptian Reserve Fund defraying the cost of the expedition. The Times says there is reason to believe that Kassala will be evacuated on the 20.h. Tf the report be confirmed, this withdrawal will entirely alter the situation of the Italians in Afrcia. Such a confession of jjveakncss must react seriously on Egypt. Both the Nile Valley and Suakim will be threatened. It is the duty cf British authorities to provide against the threatened mischief. It is reported from Massowah that the Dervishes are within two hours' march of Kassala, and are only waiting the arrival of Digna's forces. The Shoans have stopped the egress from Adigrat. The negotiations between Mr Chamberlain and President Krugcr for the settlement of the Transva 1 difficulty are still being carried on. Great Britain refuses to modify article 4 of the treaty with the Transvaal. The decision of the Imperial Go* vernmrnt to control the police and the military in the territory covered by the British South Africa Company's charter has to a great extent removed the objection to the continuance of the charter to the Company.