HC Deb 16 June 1927 vol 207 cc1185-6
Mr. ROBERT HUDSON (by Private Notice)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement on the position in Egypt?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As the precise scope and meaning of certain passages in the original Egyptian Note on the subject of the Egyptian Army were open to some doubt, Lord Lloyd communicated to Sarwat Pasha the interpretation placed by him on the passages in question, and requested its confirmation by the Egyptian Government. Sarwat Pasha has now addressed to Lord Lloyd a further Note which, in the latter's opinion, satisfactorily explains the intentions of the Egyptian Government, and disposes of the cause of the recent tension.

Mr. CLYNES

Can the Under-Secretary say how soon the Papers will be laid on this question?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I suppose the right hon. Gentleman means the publication of the Notes. I do not think we can publish the Notes without first of all consulting the Egyptian Government. So far as the British Government are concerned they do not in the least object to publication of the Notes.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

I had a question on the Paper on Monday on this subject, and I am glad the question has been raised now. Perhaps I may be permitted to ask the hon. Gentleman in what way the question of the position of the Sirdar has been settled by this happy outcome? How is it finally left?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

That is just the point. I do not think it would be courteous to the Egyptian Government to give any details of these Notes until we get their consent.

Mr. CLYNES

Am I right in assuming that as soon as that assent has been secured Papers will be laid, and can the House be informed as to what is about to take place with regard to the battle ships?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Directly we get the assent of the Egyptian Government, no doubt Papers will be laid. With regard to the battleships, we have not had any report from Lord Lloyd as yet, but there is no doubt at all that the battleships will now be withdrawn, and, according to Press reports, one has already left.