§ 12. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, and to what extent, the position and prospects of the British officials of the municipality of Alexandria have been affected by the provisions of the Anglo-Egyptian treaty; and what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to safeguard their interests?
§ Mr. EdenThe municipality of Alexandria is an international institution founded with the consent of various Powers and its organisation cannot, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, be modified except by negotiation with all of them. It follows that the position of the municipality and consequently of its officials was not touched by the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty. The interests of British officials in the municipality will certainly be taken into consideration if, and when, the status of the municipality comes to be modified.
§ Sir J. MellorIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in view of the implications of Article 13 of the Treaty, it is precisely the absence of any protection in the Treaty for these British officials that is causing anxiety, and will he endeavour at the Montreux Conference to provide some safeguard for their future?