HC Deb 28 February 1922 vol 151 cc249-50
50. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the Prime Minister on what grounds the Government in 1919 rejected the advice of Sir Reginald Wingate, which Lord Milner's Commission now declare to be fully justified by the sequel, while regretting that Sir Reginald Wingate did not urge his views with greater insistency; and whether, in view of this opinion, the Government will publish the correspondence?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The advice given by Sir R. Wingate in November, 1918, to which reference is made in the Report of Lord Milner's Mission, was that two Egyptian Ministers should come to London in order to discuss the future of their country. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and other leading Members of His Majesty's Government were at that time about to proceed to the Peace Conference in Paris, and it was therefore necessary to postpone the proposed visit. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the right hon. Member to the answer returned by the Leader of the House to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on the 22nd February.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it not the case that the advice given by Sir Reginald Wingate extended much further than the hon. Gentleman has indicated? Has he any objection to letting us see that advice which Lord Milner's Commission pronounced to be well grounded, but which they thought Sir Reginald Wingate should have urged with greater insistence?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I do not think at this stage of affairs in Egypt it would be desirable to publish the correspondence.

Sir H. CRAIK

How can this House judge the matter if the Foreign Office is not frank enough to lay the papers before us?

Earl WINTERTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in the opinion of a great many people outside this House, a most distinguished officer has been put under an undeserved slur by the action of the Government, and will he approach his chief with a view to the whole question being re-opened and the whole correspondence being published?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am quite sure that no injustice has been done to this very distinguished officer. Regarding the publication of the correspondence, I have nothing to add to the answers already given.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it not a fact that officials, and those who have knowledge of the circumstances, argue very strongly that the greatest injustice has been done to this officer who has been deprived of his office?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot accept the language of my right hon. Friend.

Earl WINTERTON

In order that the hon. Gentleman may be prepared with his answer, I desire to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the adjournment of the House at the earliest opportunity.

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