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the Jaalin and Kababish tribes are anxious for peace, but fear to act unless some alien standard is raised round which they may rally.

I have thus endeavoured to draw your Lordship's attention to the two principal advantages held out by the proposal. The next consideration is that of finance. Under this head I would recall to your Lordship's recollection the method recently adopted in the case of the garrison of Suakin. In this case, Her Majesty's Government has authorized the payment of new Egyptian battalions out of the sum set apart in the Budget for the Army of Occupation, and they will find their compensation in so doing by the removal of Her Majesty's troops from an unhealthy station, and a consequent diminution in the expenditure of the army. I would venture to suggest that a similar course might be adopted in the case of the proposals I have now placed before your Lordship.

The sums required, as stated by the ex-Vekil, are, for the first year, 150,0001; for the next, 50,0001. These figures have been accepted by the military authorities, and they might be covered by the balance still remaining out of the grant for occupation.

It is further alleged that the necessary preparations can be carried out in three months, in time to withdraw our own troops to healthier quarters.

It is not for me to judge whether the proposal presents any financial attractions to Her Majesty's Government. From a political point of view, I think it presents many :-

1. We have the Mussulman guard interposed between our troops and the Soudanese.

2. The Egyptian army stationed at those southern points for which they are adapted better than our own.

3. The withdrawal of our own forces to a healthier district, and perhaps in reduced numbers.

It will be time enough during the three months that must elapse before the new force is formed to decide on the steps to be taken after its formation. This must be a subject for after consideration. But whatever the ultimate decision may be, the scheme appears to me to offer a speedy means of alleviation for our present position.

I have this day held a lengthened conversation with his Excellency Nubar Pasha and with Abd-el-Kader Pasha on this subject, and they are both of opinion that it is desirable to adopt the course proposed.

It is, however, considered essential that the new force, if created, should be placed under the orders of Abd-el-Kader, whose experience and influence in the Soudan are very eminent.

I have, &c. (Signed)

II. DRUMMOND WOLFF.

P.S.-There are two points in the proposals of the ex-Vekil to which I demur;— 1. As to the employment of Turkish Bashi-Bazonks.

2. As to the appointment of a British Resident.

Inclosure 1 in No. 4.

H. D. W.

Sir,

Lieutenant Stuart Wortley to Sir H. Drummond Wolff.

Assouan, January 12, 1886.

I HAVE the honour to submit, for your consideration, the attached proposal for the establishment of an independent Government in the Dongola Province,

Djawdat Bey was the Vekil of Dongola up to the date on which that province was abandoned by the British Government. He earned a very high reputation amongst those officers with whom he had to work. He has considerable experience of the country, and is much respected by the inhabitants; he is a man of considerable ability.

I have already in my telegram of the 4th ultimo remarked on the various points in Djawdat Bey's proposals, but since that date I have been instructed by Lieutenant- General Sir F. Stephenson to inform you of his views on the subject, and also of those of General Grenfell and Colonel Colvile.

There is an unanimous opinion that the chances of successful negotiation with some of the principal tribes in the Soudan are dependent on the policy that is pursued as regards the Dongola Province; and that some arrangements should be made, if

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