HC Deb 24 June 1959 vol 607 cc1167-8
1. Sir J. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent this country has been represented on the discussions which have been taking place on the control of Nile waters.

10. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that no long-term agreement is possible over Nile waters without taking into consideration the interests of Ethiopia; and, in view of this and of the interests of the Commonwealth, if he will now approach the Governments of Egypt and the Sudan in order to consider the possibility of a conference of all countries interested in Nile waters.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ormsby-Gore)

It has recently been announced that the Governments of the Sudan and the United Arab Republic are to begin negotiations to decide how to divide that portion of the Nile waters which will be available to them. Her Majesty's Government welcome this, which they regard as a necessary first step, and all concerned will be aware from statements made in this House that we hope that agreement between the two major users will soon lead to a general conference of all the riparian states. At such a Conference Her Majesty's Government would, of course play a full part on behalf of the East African territories. In addition, the interest of Ethiopia must certainly be taken fully into consideration in any long-term agreement.

Sir J. Hutchison

In view of this country's interest in the Nile waters, would it not be wise to have a repre- sentative at the early stages of these discussions—which, like my right hon. Friend, I welcome—because they could have very great importance in our relationship with both Sudan and Egypt?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

We have made both the Sudanese Government and the U.A.R. Government well aware of the rights which we believe that we have in a proportion of the Nile waters flowing from the East African territories. They are in no doubt about that, and I think that if the Sudanese and Egyptians could come to some agreement first there would be very little difficulty in arriving at an agreement which would be acceptable to all of us.