§ 17. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the draft treaty with Egypt is still available as a basis for negotiation, the Egyptian Government have made any representations, through diplomatic channels or otherwise, or expressed any desire to reopen the discussions?
Mr. A. HENDERSONNo representations of the kind suggested have been made by the Egyptian Government. The High Commissioner, since his return to Cairo, has naturally resumed contact with the Egyptian Prime Minister, and has reported that the desire of the Egyptian Government to reach an agreement with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is undiminished.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it the Government's intention to leave this offer open indefinitely, or do they think it desirable to put some time limit on it?
Mr. HENDERSONNo. Up till now we have thought it wise to leave the offer where we left it at the close of the recent negotiations.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs that in view of the almost certain change of Government in Egypt?
Mr. HENDERSONI am not aware that there is a change of Government yet. All the news that we have received is that the Government have offered their resignation, but we have no official information that the resignation has been accepted.
§ Captain EDENDo not the Government propose any further offer of negotiations?
Mr. HENDERSONThere is no need for us to make a further offer of negotiations. I have made it clear that the Treaty is there when they are prepared to accept it, and the only thing that remained to be done when negotiations terminated was to complete the Note.