HC Deb 26 July 1910 vol 19 cc1915-6
Mr. MacNEILL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he was aware that the official statements that there would be no further progress in Egypt during the agitation in that country had aroused anxiety, and had been understood as meaning that the British Government would oppose during the continuance of that agitation all projected schemes for municipal self-government and autonomy; whether, having regard to the repeated assurances of Lord Cromer that the policy of the British Government was, in due course, to establish autonomy in Egypt, he would be able to give an assurance that no change in that policy would be produced by any agitation for other objects in Egypt; (2) whether the announcement made by Lord Granville in his circular to the Powers of January, 1883, that the British Government was desirous of withdrawing from Egypt as soon as the state of the country and the organisation of proper means for the maintenance of the Khedive's authority admitted of it, represented at the present time the attitude and policy of the British Government towards Egypt; and, having regard to the anxiety or apprehension entertained in Egypt that the British occupation of that country which began as a temporary occupation was designed to be permanent, he would state whether the occupation was regarded as still temporary in its character?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

In reply to these questions, I would point out to the hon. Member that my speech in this House on the 13th ultimo contained a full statement as to the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to the affairs of Egypt. I have nothing to add to that statement.

Mr. MacNEILL

Am I to understand from that speech the policy is to retain Egypt and that the declarations made in 1883 are now null and void?

Sir E GREY

I noted that very point in my speech last week if the hon. Member will read it and study it.

Mr. MacNEILL

The people of Egypt will read it and understand.

Sir J. D. REES

asked whether, having regard to the anxiety and apprehension entertained in Egypt lest the British occupation of that country which was originally temporary should be other than permanent, he will make any statement calculated to allay such anxiety and apprehension?

Sir E. GREY

I must refer the hon. Member to the replies which I have just returned to the two questions of the hon. Member for South Donegal.