HC Deb 17 July 1929 vol 230 c407
7. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had conversations with Mohammed Mahouméd Pasha with a view to a settlement of the outstanding difficulties between Britain and Egypt; and whether he is in a position to make any statement to the House?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Yes, Sir. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on the 10th July, I have had a conversation with the Egyptian Prime Minister, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement to the House.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May we take it that that does not mean that anything in the nature of negotiations are going on as distinguished from conversations?

Mr. HENDERSON

Nothing must be added to the reply that I have given, that I have had a conversation.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Before any treaty is signed with Egypt, will it be possible to ask for a free election of the Egyptian Parliament?