HC Deb 05 February 1897 vol 45 c1430
MR. JOHN MORLEY (Montrose Burghs)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations have been made by the French and Russian diplomatic agents at Cairo to the Egyptian Government on the subject of the advance of £500,000 from the British Exchequer; and, if so, what was the effect of those representions?

THR UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. G. CURZON,) Lancashire, Southport

We understand that official letters have been addressed by the French and Russian Consuls General at Cairo to the Egyptian Government inquiring whether the latter have requested or will accept pecuniary assistance from England, and expressing the opinion that under the terms of previous Decrees such application should be made through the Caisse de la Dette to all the Powers. These letters have not been communicated by either Power to Her Majesty's Government.

MR. MORLEY

Do I understand that Her Majesty's Government are not aware whether an answer has been given?

MR. CURZON

No, I believe no answer has yet been returned.