§ 13. Mr. Donnellyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement on his progress towards the resumption of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Republic.
Commander NobleI have nothing at present to add to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member on 19th November.
§ Mr. DonnellyCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether agreement has been reached on the sums of money to be paid by the Egyptian Government to us for British property taken, and by us to the Egyptian Government for damage done over Suez? Is it true that we have reached a point where the sums have been agreed?
Commander NobleI am afraid that I cannot say anything while there is still a probability of the resumption of negotiations.
§ Mr. BevanIs there any point at all in not extending diplomatic recognition now to that nation? Are we not handicapping ourselves more than we are handicapping the Egyptians? Have we not suffered grave inconvenience from the fact that we have no representation at Cairo at present?
Commander NobleI think my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary made it clear on 19th November that we think it advisable that financial agreement should be reached first.