§ 6. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the death of two military policemen at the hands of a mob in Alexandria on 14th July.
Mr. Noel-BakerThe facts are as follows: On 13th July, at 9.15 p.m., a number of British military police were walking along a street at Alexandria, when two grenades were thrown. A crowd of Egyptians gathered, who were apparently misled into thinking that the British troops were responsible for the explosion. The military police, when they saw the crowd collecting, made towards a police station, in which, when they reached it, they took refuge. Seven of them were injured by the crowd; one of them was stabbed and he has, I regret to say, since died as a result of his wounds. As the hon. and gallant Member will be aware from a statement issued by the Foreign Office on 24th July, His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo has made a most energetic protest about this and other outrages which have occurred. The Egyptian authorities have now informed us that, as a result of the action they have taken, a number of persons believed to be responsible for these crimes have been arrested. The Egyptian Prime Minister has sent my right hon. Friend a personal letter, in which he deplores these crimes and expresses his deep sympathy with the victims.
§ Colonel HutchisonIn view of the relatively unprotected position of British nationals in Egypt, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Egyptian Government realise their responsibility to protect them?
Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, I think the Egyptian Government realise that very fully, and have taken very vigorous and satisfactory action in the matter.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether compensation has been asked for in respect of these outrages?