§ 48. Mr. RAPERasked the Prime Minister whether any report has yet been received by His Majesty's Government from Sir Percy Cox; and, if not, when it is anticipated a report will arrive?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. RAPERIn view of the importance of the question, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can give us some idea of what the report says?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be premature to do so just yet, 46 because we have not had a full report from Sir Percy Cox on the situation. The military situation has only just been cleared up. Sir Percy Cox has seen a good many of the sheikhs, but has not seen them all yet, and I do not think it would be desirable to give a report which is not final.
§ Mr. RAPERMay I ask whether Sir Percy Cox suggested in his report that the time has arrived when we should, without any further delay, agree to the formation of an independent Arab Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere is no question of his reporting that. Those were the instructions with which he went out, namely, to form an Arab Government.
§ Lord R. CECILCould not this report be laid on the Table as soon as possible?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated assent.