THE SOUDAN ADVANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2328, 13 October 1898, Page 30

THE SOUDAN ADVANCE.

MABCHAND'S MISSION NOT POLITICAL. LONDON, October 10. Lord Kitchener states that the Shillooks, a native tribe inhabiting the Fashpda country, deny the assertion of Major Marchand that they concluded a treaty with him asking for the protection of France. The Shillooks only assisted Major Marchand believing that he was acting in conjunction with the British, and declare that they are delighted to renew their allegiance to the Khedive. The Times states that the situation is extremely serious, and that Britain is unable to retreat from her position. Sir Edward Monson, the British Ambassador at Paris, has notified the French Government that all the Khalifa's territories have passed to Great Britain and Egypt by right of conquest. He assured M. Delcasse, the French Foreign Minister, it is Britain's fixed determination to vindicate her absolutely just claims. Lord Kitchener has forwarded M. Delcasse's telegram to Major Marchaner instructing him to report via Cairo. The British press unanimously support Lord Salisbury's action in regard to the withdiawal of Major Marchand. Lord Kitchener states that if the Khalifa's defeat had been delayed for a fortnight Major Marchand and his force would have been annihilated. Besides being dangerous, his position was unhealthy ; and the French officer will welcome orders to proceed to Cairo. October 11. An appendix to Lord Salisbury's despatches contains a memorandum wherein M. Delcasse, in 1894, in opposing the Anglo-Congo agreement, justified the claim of Egypt to Fashoda and district. The Khedive has left Constantinople for Egypt. PARIS, October 10. (Received October 11, at 9.6 a.m.) Le Matin says that France will not risk a war over Fashoda. M. Delcasse has assured Sir E. Monson that Major Marchand had no political mission, and was merely an emissary of civilisation. October 11. It 5s stated that M. Delcasse is firm in his attitude with regard to Fashoda, and will resign if not supported by his colleagues.