HC Deb 02 May 1951 vol 487 cc1168-9
25. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make a report on the progress of negotiations with the Egyptian Government for the revision of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty.

Mr. H. Morrison

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on this subject on 11th April, in answer to a question asked by the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill).

Mr. Alport

In view of reports appearing in American papers and in our own Press, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that we will not accept any unilateral denunciation of this Treaty until a new treaty is agreed between the two Powers? Does he not think that it is time we had a clear statement of British policy with regard to the Middle East?

Mr. Morrison

Some discussions are proceeding and, as I explained during the interchange which I had with the Leader of the Opposition, I think it is undesirable that we should interrupt these negotiations at this stage in the manner suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. M. Philips Price

Has a reply been received to my right hon. Friend's recent proposal to the Egyptian Government to settle outstanding disputes between us and Egypt?

Mr. Morrison

I think not, but it should be here at any moment now.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Would the right hon. Gentleman add to his supplementary answer what he also said to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition, that the House would have an opportunity of discussing this matter before any final solutions are reached?

Mr. Morrison

I adhere, of course, to the statement I made at the time to which the right hon. Member refers.