HC Deb 23 April 1951 vol 487 cc26-8
55. Mr. Somerset de Chair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what circumstances His Majesty's Government waived their claim under paragraph 4 of the Annexe to Article 8 of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 under which the Egyptian Government was responsible for constructing at its own expense the accommodation, water supply and convalescent camp in the Canal Zone referred to in paragraph 3.

Mr. Younger

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. His Majesty's Government have never waived this claim.

Mr. de Chair

Do we understand by that reply that the bulk of the accommodation for troops in the Canal Zone was paid for by the Egyptian Government, or does the hon. Gentleman mean that we have not waived our right to claim for it at some time?

Mr. Younger

The latter is the correct view. We have not waived our right to claim for it. It was explained on a previous occasion that this accommodation has not been paid for.

Mr. de Chair

Would not this have been an exceptionally suitable subject for a counter-claim against Egypt's sterling balances, and why was not that claim pressed at that time?

Mr. Younger

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there are a great many claims of various kinds outstanding between the two countries. What the hon. Gentleman is suggesting is that we should not attempt to settle any one of them until we can settle them all, and that would really make it too difficult.

57 and 58. Mr. de Chair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether agreement has at any time been reached or is now being discussed as to the person or body of persons who shall arbitrate under Article 16 of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, in case of the high contracting parties being unable to agree at the end of the 20-year period upon the terms of the revised treaty, which shall in any event provide for the continuation of the alliance in accordance with the principles contained in Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7;

(2) whether agreement has at any time been reached or is now being discussed as to the person or body of persons who shall arbitrate under Article 8 of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, as to the question whether the presence of British Forces in the Canal Zone is no longer necessary after the 20-year period envisaged in Article 16, owing to the fact that the Egyptian Army is in a position to ensure by its own resources the liberty and entire security of navigation of the Suez Canal.

Mr. Younger

The answer to both these Questions is, "No, Sir."

Mr. de Chair

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been persistent reports, both in the United States and Egyptian Press, that H.M. Government have submitted proposals to the Egyptian Government that we would withdraw our troops in the Canal Zone before the expiration of the Treaty, in an attempt to get a mutual defence agreement; and, since that is not wanted in Egypt, is it not a fact that the negotiations cannot be expected to succeed, and are thought by hon. Members on this side of the House to be extremely ill-timed in any event? Can he deny that.

Mr. Younger

I think the hon. Gentleman is trying to lead me into revealing the nature of the discussions in Egypt, which both parties have agreed to keep confidential for the time being.