§ 5. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he still proposes to negotiate with the Egyptian Government on the basis of the draft treaty
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe position of His Majesty's Government remains as stated last Session. When an Egyptian Government commanding a majority in a freely elected Egyptian Parliament expresses a desire to resume the negotia- 832 tions suspended last spring, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to do so on the basis of their treaty proposals.
§ Sir K. WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman received any suggestions from those in authority now in Egypt with regard to proceedings in this matter?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhen my right hon. Friend uses the term "freely elected Parliament," does that apply to the new so-called constitution in Egypt?
§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the 'Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the developments of the Egyptian situation since the end of fast Session as affecting British interests?
Mr. HENDERSONThe recent developments in Egypt, to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton (Mr. Malone), on the 3rd of November, are a domestic issue, and have not affected British interests in such a manner as to involve the responsibilities of His Majesty's Government under the 1922 Declaration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas my right hon. Friend found it possible to make it clear that we are in no way a consenting party to the alteration of the constitution in Egypt?
§ Major McKENZIE WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman not made some representations to Egypt with regard to the alteration of this law?