§ 28. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of the fact that the Government of the Irish Free State have declared that they contented themselves with expressing pleasure that Great Britain and Egypt were in negotiations, and the hope that an amicable agreement would be reached, an official statement was made that the Treaty had received the concurrence of all Dominion Governments?
§ Mr. AMERYI have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question on this subject asked by my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon) on 5th April last. That answer stated that the concurrence of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions was sought in the proposal to present the Treaty to the Egyptian Government. The reply of His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State was to the effect stated in the hon. Member's question. It does not appear to me that this reply is at variance with the statement referred to above which, I assume, the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in despatch No. 6, of 24th November last, the statement was made that the required concurrence had been obtained, and is he also aware that the Deputy representing External Affairs in the Dail stated that concurrence was a bad word, and that concurrence had not been obtained?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDid not the right hon. Gentleman's answer refer me to an answer given on 5th April and not refer at all to the statement made in the White Paper No. 6 of November last?