§ 2. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement as to the present position in Syria; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to endeavour to secure complete self-government for the Syrian people?
§ Mr. EdenI presume that the hon. Member's Question refers to the internal constitutional position in Syria. My information is that the recent changes in the constitution introduced by the French High Commissioner a month ago have been well received. These changes were warmly welcomed by His Majesty's Government, who have always had great sympathy with Syrian aspirations for independence.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the one outstanding feature of the Syrian position, and the Iraqian and general position throughout Arabia, is the demand of the Arabian people for independence, and will not the Government give serious consideration and support to that movement?
§ Mr. EdenI hope the last part of my answer will meet the very point that the hon. Member has raised.