He must
also understand that he must take his instructions from the
British representative in Egypt... I would rather have him than
anyone else,
provided there is a perfectly clear understanding with him as to
what his
position is to be and what line of policy he is to carry out.
Otherwise,
not... Whoever goes should be distinctly warned that he will
undertake a
service of great difficulty and danger.'
In the meantime, Gordon, with the Sudan upon his lips, with the
Sudan in
his imagination, had hurried to Brussels, to obtain from the King
of the
Belgians a reluctant consent to the postponement of his Congo
mission. On
the 17th he was recalled to London by a telegram from Lord
Wolseley. On the
18th the final decision was made. 'At noon,' Gordon told the Rev.
Mr. Barnes, Wolseley came to me and took me to the Ministers. He
went in and talked to the Ministers, and came back and said: "Her
Majesty's Government wants you to undertake this. Government is
determined to evacuate the Sudan, for they will not guarantee
future government. Will you go and do it?" I said: "Yes." He
said: "Go in." I went in and saw them. They said: "Did Wolseley
tell you your orders?" I said: "Yes." I said: "You will not
guarantee future government of the Sudan, and you wish me to go
up and evacuate now.
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