HC Deb 07 May 1952 vol 500 cc353-4
2. Mr. F. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement concerning the progress of the present negotiations between Her Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Eden)

As the discussions we are having with the Egyptian Government are still only exploratory, I am sure my hon. Friend will understand that I would prefer not to make a statement at present.

Mr. Maclean

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while the people of this country as a whole share his desire for an equitable settlement with Egypt, at the same time he has the support of the overwhelming majority in his refusal to sacrifice the interests of the Sudan in order to obtain a settlement?

33. Mr. M. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider means by which representative Sudanese could be brought in to take part in the negotiations with Egypt, now taking place on the future of the Sudan.

Mr. Eden

This possibility has been under consideration by Her Majesty's Government, but I would prefer to make no further statement about it at present.

Mr. Price

Will the Foreign Secretary bear in mind how desirable it is that the Sudanese should take part as far as possible in these negotiations?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, very much

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