HC Deb 27 February 1946 vol 419 cc1932-3
The Prime Minister

I desire to make a statement to the House with regard to occurrences in Egypt. For some time past agitation has been carried, on in Egypt against this country in support of the Egyptian national demands—and more specifically the complete evacuation of British troops—put forward in the Egyptian Government's Note of 26th December last. A strike was eventually organised by student and workmen's associations on Thursday, 21st February. At first the proceedings were orderly but it soon became evident that control was passing into the hands of groups of persons who proceeded to make systematic attacks on British civil and military property, including Royal Air Force Headquarters and the British cathedral which, as reports at the time made clear, was desecrated. British troops were finally compelled to fire in self-defence.

His Majesty's Charged Affaires immediately took the matter up with the Egyptian Prime Minister and inquired what action Sidky Pasha proposed to take to punish the persons responsible, to provide compensation for the damage, and to ensure the maintenance of Order. He was subsequently instructed to follow up this action with a formal protest to the Egyptian Government against their failure to take timely and effective action to maintain order. These instructions were duly carried out. In reply to Mr. Bowker's earlier representations Sidky Pasha announced his acceptance of the three requests put forward by Mr. Bowker, but for the rest he sought to attribute responsibility for the incidents to British military lorries which were said to have killed and injured some members of the crowd.

This version of the incident is denied in a statement issued by His Majesty's Embassy last night, which makes it clear that attacks on British property had started over an hour before the lorries appeared and that the lorries did not, as suggested, deliberately drive into the crowd. Meanwhile the Egyptian Government's reply to the formal protest of His Majesty's Government has been received by His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires and I am awaiting the receipt of the full text.

Mr. Eden

I am not sure that 1 quite caught the answer. It is quite clear, is it not, from what the right hon. Gentleman said, that he endorses the Embassy's statement completely repudiating the suggestion that our troops, who always show such immense tolerance in these 'difficult conditions, had nothing to do with provoking this conflict.

The Prime Minister

Certainly, Sir. I have given the facts as I received them.

Mr. Mikardo

Are not these difficulties to some extent due to the pusillanimity of the Foreign Office in its dealings with the Arab League?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir