HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1022-3
2. Mr. Stokes

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make to this House about the resignation of Sir Stewart Symes, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., lately Governor-General of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan?

Mr. Butler

Sir Stewart Symes, the Governor-General of the Sudan, was due to retire at the end of 1939, and the King of Egypt, on the recommendation of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, appointed in June, 1939, Sir Bernard Bourdillon as his successor as from 1st January, 1940. In view of the exceptional circumstances, the King of Egypt subsequently approved an extension of the term of office of Sir S. Symes. The latter has now retired, and the King of Egypt has, on the recommendation of His Majesty's Government, appointed Lieut.-General Sir Hubert Huddleston as Governor-General until circumstances permit Sir Bernard Bourdillon, the Governor of Nigeria, to take up the post.

Mr. Stokes

Was it not understood that Sir Stewart Symes was to take on again at the end of January and that he was to continue until the end of the war, and will the Under-Secretary give an assurance that there was no disagreement of policy between Sir Stewart Symes and the Government, which led to his resignation?

Mr. Butler

I can only say that Sir Stewart Symes retired. It was felt desirable that an officer with special local knowledge and military experience should hold the post of Governor-General of the Sudan for the duration of the war.