§ 47. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister whether he will invite General Neguib, President of the Republic of Egypt, to London so that he may discuss with him the outstanding obstacles to an Anglo-Egyptian agreement on the future of the Suez Canal base.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that the hon. Member's suggestion would be helpful.
§ Mr. WyattIs not the Prime Minister aware that General Neguib has himself expressed a wish to come to London and talk with the Prime Minister? Since the Prime Minister is on record as believing in the efficiency of such talks between heads of States in smoothing out difficulties, would it not be consistent with his own declared position to ask General Neguib to come here to settle these comparatively small points face to face, so that these talks do not drag on into complete catastrophe, as they are doing at the moment?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that each case has to be judged on its merits, and I do not think that this particular procedure would be helpful.
§ The Prime MinisterIf I were to explain why, I should have to explain the whole story from beginning to end. I do not think that that procedure would be helpful but if I thought it would be there is no reason, constitutionally or in propriety, why it should not be adopted.