§ 41. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes taking in view of the fact that the closing of the Suez Canal to other shipping in order to permit the passage of a submarine, or submarines, is a breach of Article 1 of the 1888 Convention, which forbids interference with the free use of the Canal.
§ Commander NobleI am aware that according to a news agency report the Egyptian Suez Canal Authority announced its intention of closing the Canal on the night of 22nd June. We have no evidence that the closure in fact took place or that the alleged closure was connected with the passage of submarines through the Canal.
§ Mr. EdelmanDo not the Russians appear to be doing some very curious and mischievous things in the Mediterranean, including sending warships through the Canal for the first time in forty years? Is it not also the case that on the night of 26th June a Russian cruiser and three destroyers passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on their way to the Eastern Mediterranean? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman confirm that the Suez Canal will not be 1099 closed on any occasion through the intervention of these Russian warships?
§ Commander NobleI am afraid that I cannot answer the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but I agree with what he said in the first part, which was answered last week by my right hon. Friend, that these are indeed disturbing events.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardCan my right hon. and gallant Friend say what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to satisfy themselves that such things as these are not in direct contravention of the 1888 agreement?
§ Commander NobleIf we were sure that such things had taken place, we should certainly examine that point.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain to the House exactly what contravention of the 1888 Convention might be involved? Does not the Convention specifically provide for the free passage of war vessels through the Canal?
§ Commander NobleAs I said, if I were sure that this had taken place I should examine it and see whether an infringement had occurred.
§ Sir L. RopnerDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that the action of the Suez Canal authority in suspending traffic through the Canal on a number of occasions in recent weeks is a breach of the 1888 Convention?
§ Commander NobleThere are, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, many other administrative and more legitimate reasons for a temporary closure of the Canal, such as maintenance or the clearing of a wreck.