HC Deb 17 June 1936 vol 313 cc968-9
7. Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with regard to the treaty conversations which have been taking place between British and Egyptian delegations in Cairo?

Mr. EDEN

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald) on Monday last.

Mr. HENDERSON

Is it correct that the conversations in Cairo have been brought to a standstill by reason of the excessive demands of the military advisers of the Government, and if so, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that technical considerations will not be allowed to stand in the way of a satisfactory settlement—satisfactory both to Egypt and to this country?

Mr. EDEN

I would say definitely that there is not a word of truth in the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, and I may add that I do not think it is in the public interest that such suggestions should be made.

Mr. HENDERSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he ever reads the leading articles in his own paper the "Times"?

Mr. EDEN

I do not possess any paper.

Mr. COCKS

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that British prestige can fall to any lower depth than it has been brought by this Government?