HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2237-8
75. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of the present Sultan Fouad in Egypt; was he nominated by the British Government; what claim has he to the Throne of Egypt; has his son been nominated as his heir; and what right has the British Government to control the hereditary rights and laws of Egypt without the consent of the Egyptian people or their elected representatives in the Legislative Assembly?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Sultan Fouad's position is the same as that of his predecessor, the late Sultan Hussein; he derives his authority from His Majesty the King in the same way as the ex-Khedive derived his from the Sultan of Turkey. Sultan Fouad is a brother of Sultan Hussein, and succeeded the latter after his son had renounced his claim to the Throne. It was Sultan Hussein's desire that, should his son not be willing to accept the Sultanate, his brother should succeed him, and His Majesty's Government gave effect to his wishes. Sultan Fouad's son has now been recognised as heir to the Throne, together with his descendants in the male line. His Majesty's Government are entitled to decide questions affecting the succession to the Throne of Egypt by virtue of their assumption of the rights previously exercised by Turkey.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

How are they able to do this when peace with Turkey is not ratified?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The action of the Government is not contingent on the signing of peace with Turkey.

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