HC Deb 23 April 1923 vol 163 cc25-6
37. Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Osman Digna has been a close prisoner for over 22 years; if he is now over 100 years old; and, if so, will he advise the cancellation of sentence and his release so that the old man may be taken care of by his tribe and end his days in peace?

Mr. McNEILL

Osman Digna, whose age is not known, has been under detention since 1900 in conditions of comfort with which I believe he is quite content, and which there seems no necessity, therefore, to change.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions of comfort mean solitary confinement, guarded night and day by a posse of four or six Egyptian police, and does he not think that it would add to the name of Great Britain throughout the world if the hon. Gentleman would recommend clemency in this case?

Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Will the hon. Gentleman make sure that this man is ready to go back to his own tribe, and that the tribe will not promptly kill him if he does go back?

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Is it not a fact that the hon. Member for Stirling (Mr. Johnston) has been misinformed?

Mr. McNEILL

I am convinced that the hon. Gentleman is quite misinformed as to the conditions under which this old gentleman is under detention. As to the question of his release, I have very much doubt whether there are not a good many people in Egypt who would not agree with the hon. Gentleman that this old gentleman should end his days in peace.

Mr. DOYLE

If the old gentleman has already lived to 100 years of age under the tender care of the British Government, what is the necessity to change the position?

Mr. JOHNSTON

Does the hon. Gentleman state it to be a fact that Osman Digna is not in solitary confinement and is guarded by Egyptian police at Wady Halfa?

Mr. McNEILL

I have already stated that I could not pledge myself to a positive statement, but all my information does not confirm that.

Mr. JOHNSTON

rose

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must put any further points on the Paper.

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