§ 45. Mr. LECKIEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the decision of the Italian Government to annex the whole of Abyssinia and the consequent menace to our position in Africa and the Near East, the British Government will make it clear in unmistakeable terms that in no circumstances will interference on Italy's part with the existing régimes in Egypt and Palestine be permitted, and that any attempt to do so will be considered an unfriendly act and treated accordingly; and whether, in view of the changed conditions caused by developments in the air, the question of strengthening Britain's Defences in the Suez Canal area will be considered in consultation with the Egyptian Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)My hon. Friend realises, no doubt, that Egypt and Palestine are in separate categories. So far as Egypt is concerned, His Majestys' Government notified foreign Powers including Italy in March, 1922, that they had decided to terminate the protectorate over Egypt and that they recognised that country as a sovereign independent State. In so notifying the Powers, His Majesty's Government made it clear in unmistakeable terms that they would regard as an unfriendly act any attempt at interference in the affairs of Egypt by any Power and that they would consider any aggression against the territory of Egypt as an act to be repelled with all the means at their command. In these circumstances no further public statement appears necessary. As regards the Suez Canal area, preliminary conversations are at present being held in Cairo with a view to the negotiation of a treaty of alliance between this country and Egypt, and questions connected with the protection of the Canal are being taken into account. His Majesty's Government are responsible for the administration and protection of Palestine in accordance with the terms of the Mandate, and intend to discharge that responsibility to the full.
§ Sir J. LAMBAre the Dominion Governments being kept in touch with all that is being done in that respect?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think they are in touch with everything so far as I know.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes that mean that the Government are prepared to act in the same way as they have done in the recent dispute between Italy and Abyssinia?