§ Mr. C. R. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about recent developments in Egypt, in view of the important negotiations now being carried on with that country.
§ The Prime MinisterMy information is still incomplete and I shall confine myself to the facts as they would appear from information available. I am informed that the Egyptian Army, led by a group of officers who were dissatisfied with existing conditions, took over control in Cairo in the course of last night. Order is being maintained and the police are apparently obeying the orders of this group. The Army in Alexandria are, according to the information which I have at present, unaffected and members of the new Egyptian Government headed by Hilaly Pasha have made contact with the Army leaders. As far as can be seen there is at present no risk to British lives or property.
In a broadcast from Cairo this morning Major-General Mohammed Neguib, 533 who according to news reports has declared himself Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, has given assurances to foreign residents that their lives and property will be safeguarded and that the Army will make itself responsible for them.