§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Ministers have now received information to the effect that the French Chargé d'Affaires has, on behalf of the French Republic, threatened to break off diplomatic relations with Egypt, and to withdraw from the financial agreement and guarantee now before Parliament?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI am happy to state, in answer to 1he Question of the hon. Member, that Her Majesty's Government are on the point of coming to an arrangement on this question satisfactory to France, Egypt, and themselves. The negotiations between the French Ambassador and Lord Granville have been conducted on conciliatory and courteous terms, without any intimation being given of a character which might have raised serious obstacles on our part.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the noble Lord give no further information on the subject?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI have already stated that we are about on the point of arriving at a settlement.
§ MR. O'KELLYDoes that include reparation to France?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI have said that I cannot give details.