§ 80. Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Adly Pasha, on becoming Premier of Egypt, promised the abolition of martial law; whether martial law in Egypt is imposed by the British authorities; and whether Adly Pasha had permission from the British authorities to make this promise?
Mr. HARMSWORTHOn taking office, the Egyptian Government expressed the conviction that existing circumstances were of a nature to justify a return to normal conditions, and that it would soon be possible to withdraw martial law. Unfortunately these hopes have not materialised, and recent events plainly indicate that the time for the withdrawal of martial law has not yet arrived. The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. No promise was made by Adly Pasha. So that the last part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. SWANIs not the fact that martial law has not been rescinded throughout the country likely to cause widespread disaffection?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREHad there not been martial law and British troops there, would not a larger proportion of the Greek and Italian population of Alexandria have been massacred?