HC Deb 23 July 1935 vol 304 cc1649-50
27. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, and, if so, to what extent, permission is still being granted for Italian military aircraft to fly over Egyptian territory; and how many have so passed in the last six months?

The SECRETARY of STATE for LEAGUE of NATIONS AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

As the hon. Member was informed on 30th May, requests for permission for Italian aircraft to fly over Egypt are communicated to the Egyptian Government through the diplomatic channel. This practice is still being followed, each case being dealt with individually. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that I am not in possession of any detailed information on the subject.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that we are facilitating the passage of Italian military aircraft through Egypt at the same moment as we are withholding the issue of licences to Abyssinia, and is not this extraordinary discrimination in a case of this kind?

Mr. EDEN

I am not responsible for the hon. Member's assumptions, but they are quite incorrect.

Mr. MANDER

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether it is a fact that we are, and have been for some time, facilitating the passage of Italian military aircraft through Egypt to Italian territory on the border of Abyssinia?

Mr. EDEN

No, Sir; our right to be consulted by the Egyptian Government in regard to such matters is based solely on our responsibility for maintaining and defending the security of Egypt, and that clearly cannot arise now.

Mr. MANDER

I want only to get the facts. Do I understand that we do not exercise any pressure or control over Egypt in this matter?

Mr. EDEN

Only in the sense in which I have defined it.

Mr. PALING

Is it not possible that some of these Italian aircraft may be some of those exported from this country during the past year?