§ 17. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now enter into discussion with all interested nations over the renegotiation of the Nile Waters Agreement.
§ Mr. R. AllanHer Majesty's Government welcome the recent news that the Sudan and the United Arab Republic have reached agreement on their respective shares of the Nile Waters. We hope that this will open the way to general agreement among all the countries interested.
§ Mr. WilliamsWhile welcoming both the Agreement to which my hon. Friend referred and his statement, may I ask for some assurance that the Government here will take some initiative in this matter in order to secure the interests of the East African territories?
§ Mr. AllanYes. We have always said that once the Sudan and the U.A.R. had come to agreement, a conference, whether technical, which is what my hon. Friend favours, or not, is the next step which should be taken.