HC Deb 23 February 1953 vol 511 cc1708-9
13. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations with the Egyptian Government with regard to the position of British troops in the Suez Canal Zone.

21. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the agreement reached with the Egyptian Government over the Sudan, what arrangements he proposes to make to expedite the withdrawal of British troops from Egypt.

Mr. Eden

No negotiations have yet taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the present Egyptian Government on this subject. As has been previously stated, however, it is our policy to arrive at a general settlement of the whole question of defence by negotiation with the Egyptian Government.

Mr. Wyatt

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the principles on which we are to proceed in this matter? For instance, can he clearly state that even though British troops may to a large extent, be evacuated from the Canal Zone the responsibility of Britain for the defence of the free world will demand a continuing British interest in the preservation and maintenance of the military base in the Canal Zone?

Mr. Eden

However much I may agree with the last part of what the hon. Gentleman has said, I do not think I should be acting wisely by anticipating negotiations which have not yet opened.

Captain Waterhouse

In view of the statement constantly being made by General Neguib, would my right hon. Friend reiterate the statement made on 15th October, 1951, by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison) in which he made it absolutely clear that there would be no question of evacuating Egypt without agreement? Will he, further, make it abundantly clear that that agreement will depend on the security of the Middle East and the safety of international communications generally?

Mr. Eden

I think it is clear that from what I said that our object is to seek agreement upon defence arrangements, in general, covering that area. I do not think that I have any reason to challenge the supplementary question of my right hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister take into account that there are 80,000 British soldiers in that area, the great majority of whom are anxious to come home, and that the energies of these 80.000 people would be better devoted to building up industry in this country?

Mr. Eden

However we may view this matter, I think the House would desire to reach agreement if we can, and I do not think it will help to reach agreement to anticipate the opening of negotiations by a series of questions which may make them rather more difficult.

Mr. Shinwell

In these negotiations will the subject of the Middle East Defence Force be considered?

Mr. Eden

I think that is covered by the answer I have given, but if the right hon. Gentleman wishes to have a detailed answer perhaps he would be good enough to put down a Question.