§ 52. Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether there have been disturbances in Egypt owing to the breaking off of negotiations between Lord Milner and the Egyptian Delegation; and whether those disturbances have resulted in injury to members, of the Egyptian population or of the British Army?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)I am not aware that there has been any break off of negotiations between Lord Milner and the Egyptian delegation. Some demonstrations have taken place in Cairo, and on 13th November a British officer was shot at and wounded in that city for a reason which remains unknown. But there is no reason to connect these incidents with the departure from England of Zaghloul Pasha and his associates.
§ 53. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Milner Commission has been presented to the Cabinet; if not, whether it will be presented; and whether the House will be given an opportunity for its discussion?
51. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister when the papers concerning the Milner Mission to Egypt will be published; and whether the views of those members of the Mission who are in favour of the abolition of the protectorate will be published in a Minority Report?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWLord Milner's Report has not yet been published, but I understand that it will shortly be completed. If any members of the Mission desire to present a Minority Report, they will naturally be at liberty to do so.
§ Mr. HENDERSONHas the right hon. Gentleman nothing to say with regard to the latter part of my question, as to the discussion of the Report when it has been submitted to the Cabinet, and whether an opportunity for discussion is likely to be given during this Autumn Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have given a promise more than once that no action will be taken until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of discussing it. As to whether it will be taken this Session, I would not like to give a definite pledge. We have not yet received the Report.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that there will be no long-drawn-out negotiations, if it can possibly be avoided, in view of the necessity of some sort of settlement as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. and gallant Friend may be sure that we realise the value of whatever expedition is possible, but, as the Report has not yet been published, it is premature to discuss it.