HC Deb 22 May 1946 vol 423 cc306-8
7. Mr. Molson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to bring home to the Egyptian Government their responsibility for the murder by an Egyptian crowd in Alexandria on 4th March of two British soldiers; whether the Egyptian Government is endeavouring to bring the murderers to justice; what steps have been taken against the Governor of Alexandria; and whether the Egyptian Government will make a public apology.

Mr. Bevin

His Majesty's Government have left the Egyptian Government in no doubt of the serious view which they take of this event, and have made it clear that they hold the Egyptian Government responsible for the deaths of the two British soldiers concerned. All the evidence in the possession of the British military authorities has been communicated to the Egyptian authorities, who have been pressed to continue their efforts to bring those responsible to justice. The question of action against the Governor of Alexandria is one for the Egyptian Government. The question of a public apology has not been discussed.

Mr. Molson

In view of the statement made by the War Office on 15th May that the Governor of Alexandria incorrectly informed the British military commander that these British soldiers had been rescued, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to press the Egyptian Government to bring home to the Governor of Alexandria his personal responsibility in this matter?

Mr. Bevin

I will go into that.

Earl Winterton

Is it not in accord with usual diplomatic practice that when a national of a country has been murdered the Government of the country where the murder took place tenders a full apology and informs the Government of the country of the murdered person what steps it is taking to bring home the crime to those who have committed it?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, but in this case I have been pressing the Egyptian Government for the apprehension of those responsible, which I regard as the most important thing to do.

Mr. Piekthorn

Would there be any impropriety in laying in the Library the evidence from the British military authorities of which the right hon. Gentleman spoke and, if not, may that be done?

Mr. Bevin

I would like notice of that.

Mr. Lipson

Is it true to say that the Egyptian Government have not yet expressed any apology or regret?

Mr. Bevin

No, I have not raised the question of apology. I have taken up very strongly these incidents in Egypt as a whole, and this case in particular.

Mr. Lipson

My question has not been answered. Have they voluntarily expressed regret?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir.