HC Deb 24 March 1925 vol 182 cc255-6
Mr. SPOOR

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the truth or otherwise of the statement in the Press this morning regarding the political crisis that has arisen in Egypt, and whether the Government propose taking any action in the matter?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

Official telegrams from Cairo confirm Press reports, and state that Ziwar Pasha tendered the resignation of his Government to King Fuad as the Chamber had elected Zaghloul Pasha as President and two Zaghloulists as Vice-Presidents. His Majesty refused to accept the resignation of the Ministry, and dissolved Parliament. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. SPOOR

Having regard to the commitments we have in Egypt, and having regard to the undoubted fact that we still have considerable influence in the internal policy of that country, will this House have some opportunity of considering the whole question?

Mr. McNEILL

The telegrams to which I have referred were only received this morning, and it is rather premature to put a question of that sort.

Captain BENN

Will the Government take an opportunity of explaining to the House how the negotiations with the Egyptian Government are proceeding, and what the policy of the Government is?

The PRIME MINISTER

Of course I will consider that.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

May I ask what steps the Government are going to take if Ziwar Pasha and his confederates insist upon their resignation being accepted?

Captain BENN

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he does not consider that the House of Commons is entitled to a statement of the Government's policy?

The PRIME MINISTER

The House of Commons is always entitled to a statement of Government policy, and in due time, of course, will get it.

Mr. DUFF COOPER

In view of the fact that we have granted independence to Egypt, is it not now the duty of His Majesty's Government to leave them to settle their own policy in their own way?