§ 44. Mr. LUNNasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a number of members of the Wafd (Egyptian delegation) have been recently arrested; whether this arrest was made under British martial law; what are the offences for which the arrest was made; and whether, in view of Lord Allenby's promise to the King of Egypt to suspend the application of martial law so far as it affects the free exercise of the political rights of Egyptians, he will take steps to secure their release?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The persons alluded to were arrested for appending their signatures to a manifesto which Lord Allenby described as a direct incitement to violence which cannot be tolerated. The promise mentioned in the last part of the question only referred, as was explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle on 27th March, to the holding of elections in Egypt and does not, therefore, arise in this connection.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it not a fact that the document which they issued and for which they have been arrested, consisted of a 672 question put in this House by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) and the answer given by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs it not a fact that this document contains direct incitements to anarchy, murder, and even other crimes?