§ 73. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all foreign Governments who have hitherto exorcised rights under the Capitulations in Egypt have been consulted with regard to the two alternative drafts contained in the published memorandum of agreement between the Milner Mission and the Egyptian Delegation in Section 4 (v); whether the contemplated transfer of these foreign rights to the British Government was implied or defined in any of the treaties of peace or in the recognition of the British Protectorate; and what steps are the British Government now taking to bring their new proposals regarding the new position of foreigners in Egypt to the attention of foreign Governments?
Mr. HARMSWORTHAs regards the first and third parts of the question, negotiations have already been opened with all the Capitulary Powers for the transfer of their rights, under the Capitulations, to Great Britain. As regards the second part of the question, the recognition of the British Protectorate implies the recognition of the special position which Great Britain enjoys in Egypt, and which cannot be fully secured without the transfer to Great Britain of these foreign rights in the manner proposed in the negotiations now in progress.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDo I understand that these negotiations have begun since the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, and did not begin before it since the recognition of the Protectorate?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI think that is so; but if my hon. Friend requires further assurance, perhaps he will put another question.