HC Deb 08 March 1954 vol 524 c1713
7. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent disorders in the Sudan.

15. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now received a further report on the recent disturbances in Khartoum; and if he will make, a statement.

Mr. Eden

My right hon. and learned Friend the "Minister of State is returning to this country within the next day or two. I would prefer not to make any further statement until I have had a chance to confer with him.

Mr. Reid

Will the forthcoming statement try to clear up for us the position of the Sudanese parties? It would seem from the announcements the other day that the Umma Party as well as the rest want Sudanese independence without any tie whatever with Egypt or Britain.

Mr. Eden

I agree entirely with the hon. Gentleman's definition of the Umma Party's position.

Mr. Driberg

Does the right hon. Gentleman's statement today mean that the Minister of State will not be attending the opening of the Parliament? I cannot quite remember the date of it.

Mr. Eden

I think he has left Khartoum already.