HC Deb 15 May 1919 vol 115 c1738
9. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what contribution has been made to the cost of the War by the Egyptian Exchequer; and what further contributions are expected?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

On 9th March, 1918, the Egyptian Council of Ministers offered to contribute £3,000,000 Egpytian towards the expenses of the War and they described this gift "as an evidence of gratitude towards Great Britain in that Egypt has been spared the evils of an invasion." Their offer was gratefully accepted. They further decided to open a credit in the Budget of 1918–19 of £500,000 Egyptian in order to meet other military expenditure directly connected with Egypt and provisionally estimated at that figure.

I am not able to state at the moment what is the exact sum contributed by the Egyptian Exchequer during the year 1918–19; nor am I aware that any further contributions are expected.

Captain BENN

Were any steps taken to consult the members of the Legislative Assembly in reference to this grant?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps my hon. Friend will raise this question in the course of the Debate.

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

Is it not the fact that this offer of £3,000,000 was made entirely on the initiative of the Native Ministers and that British officials did not ask for it in any way?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I believe that is the case.