HC Deb 24 July 1876 vol 230 cc1809-10
MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there exists any Treaty, or any other official document, whereby the right of Egypt to the possession of the coast of the Red Sea south of its ancient boundary of 15o 30' north has been recognised by England?

MR. BOURKE

Sir, I cannot admit the accuracy of the description given by the hon. Gentleman of the limits of ancient Egypt. I am inclined to think that description is incorrect. No Treaty or other official document exists at the Foreign Office in which any particular limit of the territory placed under the rule of the Khedive has been defined or recognised by this country. But Firmans have been issued from time to time by the Sultan by which certain Provinces mentioned by name have been placed under the jurisdiction of the Khedive. I am not, however, aware that any of these apply to the limit to which the hon. Gentleman has referred.