§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has seen the report that an American company has been granted a concession by the Abyssinian Government which would enable that firm to control the water supplies of Egypt and the Sudan, and if Great Britain has any treaty rights in this important matter?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir; but I have not as yet received any official information as to the reported negotiations, nor as to the attitude of the Abyssinian Government in the matter. If it had been the case that the Abyssinian Government contemplated the grant of such a concession, without consulting us, this action would constitute a violation of the Treaty of 1902 between His Majesty's Government and the Emperor Menelik, whereby the Abyssinian Government undertook not to construct, or allow to be constructed, such a dam except by agreement with His Majesty's 'Government and the Government of the Sudan, but I am confident that the Abyssinian Government are not unmindful of this obligation, and this is confirmed by the interview with Dr. Martin which appears in this morning's papers.
My meeting with the Egyptian Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs gave me the opportunity to put him in full possession of our views and to take counsel with him on this matter, in which the Egyptian Government naturally takes a keen interest.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEHas there been any communication between the Foreign Office, the British Government and Washington on this matter?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIf my hon Friend means between the British and American Governments, no.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to take steps themselves to barrage the Nile?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes. We have made proposals to the Abyssinian Government with that in view. That is being pursued and is the subject of negotiations.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the outlay would be?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. An estimate was made, but I would not undertake to say whether that estimate can be absolutely relied upon. In any case, my memory cannot be relied upon to repeat the figure without notice.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIn the event of America not agreeing to our terms, I suppose that this Government would be prepared to call upon English boys and Scottish boys to go and have a war with the Americans.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIn the public interest, may I be permitted to say that no question arises between the Government of the United States and His Majesty's Government on this matter, and I anticipate no difficulties between them.