HC Deb 04 March 1929 vol 226 cc20-1
40. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the objection to the proposed flight of the airship "Graf Zeppelin" over Egypt came; from the Egyptian Government or His Majesty's Government; and what were the reasons for the objection?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As I stated in reply to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member on the 27th of February, the German Government were informed by His Majesty's Ambassador that His Majesty's Government were opposed to this flight. The attitude of His Majesty's Government in the matter of foreign aviation in Egypt is dictated by the vital nature of the Imperial communications which pass through that country.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does that mean that the objection came from His Majesty's Government and not from the Egyptian Government?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I think I explained to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the other day that foreign aircraft flight cannot take place except by agreement of both Governments.

Mr. THURTLE

May we take it that the Egyptian Government was agreeable to the flight, but the British Government was not?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I do not know that the Egyptian Government were approached in this matter.

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Do we claim aviation in Egypt as coming under the four reserved points?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

This is a question of a particular flight by foreign aircraft over the zone of the Suez Canal, and it is a matter which was definitely included in the agreement made by us with Sarwat Pasha. It was agreed that such flights were not to be made.