HC Deb 08 August 1882 vol 273 cc1143-4
SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have discussed or concluded any engagement with other Powers for the regulation of the political condition of Egypt, and of the Suez Canal, when order shall have been restored in that country; if so, with what Powers the discussion has been carried on, or the engagement undertaken; and, what is the nature of such engagement, or basis of engagement?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

No, Sir; no such engagement has been concluded, or, indeed, discussed.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government is already in possession of information to show that permanent arrangements insuring the safety of the lives and property of Europeans in, or passing through, Egypt, might now be secured from the "de facto" Government at Cairo, without any further military operation whatever, provided Her Majesty's Government were now to promise to Egypt that they will "guarantee it a constitution compatible with International engagements," in terms of the suggestion made by Sir Edward Malet on 20th January last, as shown in page 52 of the Blue Book, 3230, of 1882, and which he stated "he thought to be the only way out of a situation which was rapidly driving both us and the Egyptians to extremities?"

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

No, Sir; Her Majesty's Government have no such information as that alluded to in the Question.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether steps have been taken to prevent statements in this House with regard to Egypt, and also the movements and strength of our forces in Egypt, or on the way to Egypt, being communicated to Arabi Pasha by telegraph?

MR. GLADSTONE

I must acknowledge the very considerate manner in which the hon. and gallant Baronet has acted with regard to this Question; but, at the same time, from regard to the public interests, the only answer I can give to it, which I hope will be satisfactory to him, is, that measures have been adopted such as the case seemed to call for. It would not be desirable to enter upon any details.