The following are the words of the very latest instructions
telegraphed to Cairo, on April 23rd, as to General Gordon :— "Gordon should be at once informed that he should keep us informed, to the best of his ability, not only as to immediate, but as to any prospective danger at Khartoum ; that to be pre- pared for any such danger he advise us as to the force necessary in order to secure his removal, its amount, character, route for access to Khartoum, and time of operation ; that we do not pro- pose to supply him with Turkish or other force for the purpose of undertaking military expeditions, such being beyond the scope of the commission he holds, and at variance with the pacific policy which was the purpose of his mission to the Soudan ; that if with this knowledge he continues at Khar- toum, he should state to us the cause and intention with which he so continues."