HC Deb 05 April 1928 vol 215 cc2136-7
35 and 38. Mr. MALONE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he will make a statement regarding the progress of negotiations between this country and Egypt; and whether he will publish the recent notes;

(2) if he has received a note from the Government of Egypt protesting against the action of the British Government in interfering with the policy of the Egyptian Government; and if he is prepared to acknowledge the independent sovereignty of Egypt and to trust to the League of Nations for fair treatment of any British interests in Egyptian territory?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle). The notes to and from the Egyptian Government were published in the Press this morning.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

May I draw the attention of the Under-Secretary to the fact that the answer given either yesterday or to-day does not cover question 38? In my question I asked if he is prepared now to trust the League of Nations, the instrument which the British Government were chiefly concerned in creating.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

If the hon. Member looks at the note published this morning, he will see that the position is perfectly clear.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the Minister not aware that the Suez Canal is vital to Great Britain in order that the hon. Member for North Battersea (Mr. Saklatvala) may get to and from India?