Captain COOPERasked whether, in view of the possibility that our withdrawal in Somaliland might have an effect on our prestige and position in Egypt, the British Agent at Cairo was consulted before our retirement was decided upon?
§ The UNDER SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)His Majesty's Government gave the most careful consideration to the points raised in the hon. Gentleman's question before deciding on their policy.
Mr. PEELIs it a fact that four or five years ago, when the question of an alteration in the administration of Somaliland was under consideration, Lord Cromer was consulted as to the effect it would have on our position in Egypt?
§ Colonel SEELYI understand that the whole question may be raised in the course of debate to-day, and I shall be very glad to state the views of His Majesty's late advisers on the question and the general attitude of the late Government.